What is a .HLB file?
The file extension .HLB stands for a VMS / VAX Help Library file. This type of file contains a collection of help documentation specifically designed for use with a VMS (Virtual Memory System) or VAX (Virtual Address eXtension) system. These systems are types of operating systems and computing environments developed by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), which is now part of HP (Hewlett-Packard).
The .HLB file is essentially a library, which means it's a collection of information, in this case, help documents. These documents provide users with guidance, instructions, and support on how to use the VMS or VAX systems, including troubleshooting tips, command usage, and other useful information to help users navigate and utilize these systems effectively.
To open a .HLB file, you can use HP OpenVMS, which is the specific operating system designed to support these files. HP OpenVMS provides the necessary tools and environment to access, read, and utilize the help documentation stored within the .HLB file.
Alternatively, if you're looking to simply view the content of a .HLB file without using HP OpenVMS, you can try opening it with a basic text editor. While a text editor may not support all the formatting or provide the interactive features that HP OpenVMS does, it can still allow you to read the text contained in the file. However, keep in mind that viewing the file in a text editor might not offer the best user experience, as the formatting and special characters might not display correctly, making the information harder to understand.
In summary, .HLB files are important for users of VMS or VAX systems as they contain valuable help documentation. These files can be opened using HP OpenVMS for full functionality or viewed in a basic text editor for a quick look at the content.
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