The LOG_IO privilege lets the user's process execute the Queue I/O Request ($QIO) system service to perform logical-level I/O operations. LOG_IO privilege is also required for certain device control functions, such as setting permanent terminal characteristics. A process with the typical privileges of NETMBX and TMPMBX that also holds LOG_IO and SYSNAM can reconfigure the Ethernet using the Phase IV network configuration procedure, NICONFIG.COM.

Usually, process I/O requests are handled indirectly by use of an I/O package such as OpenVMS Record Management Services (RMS). However, to increase their control over I/O operations and to improve the efficiency of I/O operations, skilled users sometimes prefer to handle the interface between their process and a system I/O driver program directly. They can do this by executing $QIO; in many instances, the operation called for is a logical-level I/O operation. Note that logical level functions are permitted without LOG_IO privilege on a device mounted with the /FOREIGN qualifier and on non-file-structured devices.

Grant this privilege only to users who need it because it allows a process to access data anywhere on the selected volume without the benefit of any file structuring. If this privilege is given to unqualified users who have no need for it, the operating system and service to other processes can be easily disrupted. Such disruptions can include the destruction of information on the system device, the destruction of user data, and the exposure of confidential information.

The LOG_IO privilege also lets a process perform the following tasks: