DECsystem 5900

This document, the "DECsystem 5900 Owner’s Guide," is a comprehensive manual intended for system managers and technical users responsible for the daily operation of the DECsystem 5900 server. The DECsystem 5900 is described as a modular, midrange computer system designed for server applications (file, compute, and network servers), utilizing MIPS R3000A or R4400 processors, extensive memory, and internal SCSI storage.

The guide is structured into three main chapters and three appendices:

1. DECsystem 5900 Overview: Provides a physical description of the server's cabinet, CPU and mass storage drawers, system power controller, and an overview of its network and power cables and switches.
2. Operating the DECsystem 5900 System: Details the steps for preparing and operating the system, including SCSI ID switch/jumper settings, powering on and off, and a comprehensive explanation of console commands. This section covers various console modes, commands for booting, displaying configuration, examining memory, managing passwords, setting environment variables, and interpreting command error messages.
3. Troubleshooting Tools and Error Messages: Offers guidance on basic troubleshooting, running power-up self-tests, and interpreting test error messages. It includes a summary of ULTRIX-32 exerciser commands for testing different system components (communications, disk, file system, line printer, memory, magtape, TCP/IP network) and instructions for using the uerf utility to examine ULTRIX error logs, differentiating between various event and error types.

Appendices provide detailed hardware specifications for the DECsystem 5900 and its various peripherals (including fixed disk drives, CD-ROM, diskette drives, StorageServer, and numerous tape drive models), listing dimensions, operating/nonoperating conditions, performance characteristics, and power requirements. It also lists associated documentation and specific regulatory information for the United Kingdom.