Learn about maintaining and servicing the HMC.
The HMC system is delivered with its machine code preinstalled on the disk drive. After the system is installed and connected to a managed system, system management tasks can begin.
The HMC machine code does not have provisions for loading or running additional applications that are not related to hardware management or service. All the tasks you need to maintain the managed system, the underlying operating system, and the HMC's machine code are available by using the HMC's management interface.
The HMC's graphical user interface provides the functions needed to create and maintain a partitioned environment on a managed system. Using the interface allows for direct manipulation of HMC-defined objects and increased information regarding detected changes in hardware conditions.
The managed system can be run as a partitioned system, sometimes referred to as logically partitioned. This means that the managed system can run multiple operating systems simultaneously. The system can also run as a large single partition, which is known as the manufacturing default configuration when the system is delivered. If the system has been partitioned, then a the single partition that uses all the system resources is referred to as a full system partition.
Partitioning provides users with the ability to divide a single managed system into several systems. Each of these systems, running in a partition, is capable of running applications in multiple, independent environments simultaneously. Logical partitioning makes it possible for a user to run a single application using different sets of data on separate partitions, as if that application were running independently on separate physical systems. By creating partitions, for example, a company can test its programs in one partition while developing the same program in another, at the same time, all using the same system. This "same system" partitioning method is more cost-effective, potentially eliminating the need for a separate test system.
The full system partition is no different from the traditional way of using a system. The single server uses all of its resources as one system.
During the process of powering on, the HMC checks to see which managed systems are available and communicating with the console. To ensure that each managed system is available before you power on the HMC, managed systems must be in standby mode or actively operating. Standby mode is indicated by the OK shown in the operator panel after the managed system has the power connected and the initial tests are complete.
To power on the HMC, do the following:
After power is turned on and before the operating system is loaded, the system does a power-on self-test (POST). This test performs checks to ensure that the hardware is functioning correctly before the operating system is loaded. During the POST, codes indicating the progress of the POST might be displayed. After the POST is complete, the HMC operating machine code loads and a login prompt is displayed.
Your HMC system is based on a model of personal computer. For information about system specifications and system unit locations, use the appropriate personal computer hardware maintenance manuals, see Equivalent maintenance information for the HMC's personal computer hardware.
To avoid electrical shock, a power cable with a grounded attachment plug is provided. Use only properly grounded outlets.