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EK-400MP-CL-B01

November 2000

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Document:	AlphaServer 2000: Read This First
Order Number:	EK-400MP-CL
Revision:	B01
Pages:	6
Original Filename:

OCR Text

AlphaServer 2000: READ THIS FIRST
EK-400MP-CL. B01
November 1994

NEW OPERATOR INTERFACES
On AlphaGeneration systems, which are based on the Alpha AXP architecture,
control of the system hardware is provided by a console subsystem. The console
subsystem contains firmware code (software code embedded in the hardware) that
offers service functions. Some of these functions include initializing and testing
the hardware, bootstrapping the system software, and providing a means for the
system administrator or a management application to monitor and control the
system.
Because the AlphaServer 2000 system is designed to support multiple operating
systems, the server offers two separate operator interfaces: a command line
interface called the SRM interface, and a menu interface called the ARC interface.
Refer to the AlphaServer 2000/2100 Firmware Reference Guide to learn how to
use the SRM and ARC console interfaces.

SRM Command Line Interface
The SRM interface is a UNIX style, command line interface designed to
facilitate interaction between the AlphaServer hardware and the DEC OSF/1
and OpenVMS operating systems. You enter console firmware commands at the
SRM command line interface to configure and test the hardware and bootstrap
the DEC OSF/1 or OpenVMS operating systems. Users of traditional Digital
systems will be familiar with this command line interface.

ARC Menu Based Interface
The ARC interface is a graphical user interface designed to facilitate interaction
between the AlphaServer hardware and the Microsoft Windows NT operating
system. You configure your system hardware and boot Windows NT from the ARC
menu interface. Users of window systems will be familiar with the menu-based
style of interface.

When to Switch Interfaces
You can perform most console-related tasks from the interface designed to interact
with your operating system. However, the console interfaces are designed so that
you can easily switch between them. You will only need to switch between the
interfaces in the following instances:
•

If you are running DEC OSF/1 or OpenVMS and need to run the EISA
Configuration Utility (ECU) or the RAID Configuration Utility (RCU),
described below, you must switch to the ARC interface.

•

If you are running Microsoft Windows NT and want to run the test
command, you must switch to the SRM interface.

Refer to the AlphaServer 2000/2100 Firmware Reference Guide for instructions
on switching between the interfaces.

CONFIGURATION UTILITIES
If you add, remove, or configure EISA or ISA options, you must run the EISA
Configuration Utility. The ECU is provided on two diskettes with your server
system—a diskette for DEC OSF/1 and OpenVMS and a diskette for Microsoft
Windows NT. The AlphaServer 2000 Owner’s Guide explains how to run the EISA
Configuration Utility.
If you purchased a StorageWorks RAID Array 200 Subsystem for your
AlphaServer 2000 system, you must run the RAID Configuration Utility (RCU) to
set up the disk drives and logical units. The RCU is provided on a diskette with
the RAID subsystem kit. Refer to the StorageWorks RAID Array 200 Subsystem
Family Installation and Configuration Guide, included in your RAID subsystem
kit.

INIT COMMAND
Whenever you reset the following SRM environment variables, you must initialize
the system to put the new setting into effect.
auto_action
console
language
ocp_text
os_type
pk*0_fast
pk*0_host_id

To reset SRM environment variables, use the set command and initialize the
system with the init command. For example, to change the device on which
power-up output is displayed from a serial terminal to a graphics monitor, set the
console environment variable to ‘‘graphics’’ and then enter the init command:
>>> show console
console serial
>>> set console graphics
>>> init
.
.
.
>>> show console
console graphics
The AlphaServer 2000/2100 Firmware Reference Guide explains the function of
the environment variables.

DEC OSF/1 REMOTE INSTALLATION SERVICES UTILITY RESTRICTION
The remote installation services utility (RIS) on the AlphaServer 2000 system
shipped with V3.0 of the DEC OSF/1 operating system is not supported on the
network adapter designated as ewa. The remote installation services utility is
supported on the network adapter designated as era. This problem has been
fixed for releases of DEC OSF/1 later than V3.0.
This restriction applies only to the remote installation services utility. The
network adapter functions properly on other system utilities. Local installation
from the CD–ROM is supported.

OPENVMS PATCH KIT
If you are running OpenVMS on your AlphaServer 2100 system, you must install
a patch kit that is provided on a diskette (Volume Label AXPDRIV02). The patch
kit addresses the following problems:
•

The LK411 Rev B01 keyboard is not recognized by the device driver, and
certain keys fail to function or function incorrectly.

•

Some systems have halted with the message Machine check in PALmode. You
cannot obtain a crash dump of this problem.

•

The patch corrects a timing problem in the script code for the SCSI drivers
and provides support for RZ28B drives on the 810 SCSI controller.

Contents of Patch Kit
•

Kit Name: AXPDRIV02_061

•

Kit Description: Applies to OpenVMS AXP V6.1

•

Files patched or replaced:
SYS$LOADABLE_IMAGES:SYS$CPU_ROUTINES_0902.EXE (new
image)
SYS$LOADABLE_IMAGES:SYS$GQADRIVER.EXE (new image)
SYS$LOADABLE_IMAGES:SYS$PKEDRIVER.EXE (new image)
SYS$LOADABLE_IMAGES:SYS$PKTDRIVER.EXE (new image)

Patch Kit Installation Procedure
Install the patch kit as follows:
1. Use the VMSINSTAL utility to log in to the SYSTEM account, and enter the
following at the DCL ($) prompt:
@SYS$UPDATE:VMSINSTAL AXPDRIV02_061 [saveset_location]
The saveset_location may be a tape drive or a disk directory that contains the
kit save set.
2. After you have installed the save set, obtain the release notes from
SYS$HELP. The release notes are named AXPDRIV02_061.RELEASE_
NOTES.
3. After the kit is successfully installed, reboot the system. Also reboot any
other nodes in your cluster in order to use the new images.

† AlphaGeneration, AlphaServer, AXP, Digital, and OpenVMS are trademarks of Digital
Equipment Corporation. COMPAQ is a registered trademark of Compaq Computer
Corporation. OSF/1 is a registered trademark of Open Software Foundation, Inc.
UNIX is a registered trademark of X/Open Company Ltd. Microsoft Windows NT is a
trademark of Microsoft Corporation.