It is simple to get your new AS/400e server 170 up and running! By working with customers over the past few years to understand their wants and needs, IBM has made AS/400 installation quick and easy. This article walks you through the simplified setup process, from beginning to end, with special emphasis on planning for your AS/400e server.

Your company will receive its first AS/400e server 170 in a few days, and this AS/400e server will run with OS/400 (V4R4) and Operations Console. Although you have never used an AS/400e server, you have been assigned the responsibilities of planning for this new AS/400 and setting it up when it arrives. You are excited to begin working with your new AS/400e server. However, a colleague ordered the system, and you have many questions. What is Operations Console, and what are its benefits? What do I need to do before my system arrives? How do I get my system up and running? What will be included in my shipment? And you don’t know where to find the answers.

Information About Operations Console

Before your new AS/400e server arrives, you might have two main questions: What is Operations Console? What are the benefits of Operations Console?

What Is Operations Console?

When your company ordered your AS/400e server, whoever placed the order chose Operations Console to serve as your system console. This console is a privileged device, which means that certain tasks, such as full system save operation and service tasks, can be performed only from this device. By default, the system console is the only device that a security officer can sign onto when the system is started.

Operations Console was first introduced with OS/400 (V4R3) and IBM AS/400 Client Access for Windows 95/NT (V3R2M0). It allows a PC to serve as the system console. Operations Console uses 5250 emulation to interface with the AS/400e server. The PC uses a direct cable connection to the AS/400e server. The same PC can be connected via a LAN to the AS/400 so that it can be used as a workstation. The Operations Console cable is shipped with the system when you specify Operations Console.

When Operations Console is running on a Windows NT system, it supports dial-in connections from remote workstations that can also function as an AS/400e system console

or as the graphical control panel workstations (to control the AS/400). Since the console and graphical control panel applications can be used together, local and remote PCs can manage an AS/400 in a restricted mode, including initial program loads, from anywhere.

Alternatively, a twinax console (which is a 5250 device) can also serve as your system console. The selection of the system console, either Operations Console or a twinax console, must be made when you order your AS/400e server. The AS/400 will arrive at your company preconfigured for use with this particular system console selection. In your case, your system will arrive configured to use Operations Console. For more details on Operations Console, read “Dump Your Twinax 5250 System Console with AS/400 Operations Console” in the March 1999 issue of MC.

What Are the Benefits of Operations Console?

Operations Console provides many benefits. You can set up a PC to serve as either a local controlling system or a remote controlling system for an AS/400e server. A local controlling system is a PC that has a direct cable connection to the AS/400e server for which it is the system console. A remote controlling system is a PC that has a LAN connection to the AS/400e server for which it is the system console.

You can use a single PC as your system console and graphical control panel workstation. You can manage multiple AS/400e systems from a single console. Operations Console allows you to use EZ-Setup Wizard, which guides you through all the primary tasks of getting up and running. When you order Operations Console, the EZ-Setup CDROM is automatically included.

Planning for Your New AS/400e Server

Planning for your new AS/400e server makes setup quick and easy. Before your system arrives, you need to perform planning in these areas: (1) PC hardware requirements, (2) AS/400 and PC software requirements, and (3) physical site planning for your AS/400e server 170. Visit www.as400.ibm.com/tstudio/planning/pc_index.htm to find planning information on AS/400e servers.

PC Hardware Requirements

Before your AS/400e server arrives, you need to fulfill the minimum PC hardware requirements. You will need a PC with a CD-ROM drive, one available Component Object Model (COM) port, a mouse, and 70 MB of available disk space (to install IBM AS/400 Client Access Express V4R4M0). Minimum processor and RAM requirements are based on the operating system that you are using. The Operations Console cable is automatically delivered with your AS/400e server when you order Operations Console. Figure 1 presents a detailed listing of hardware requirements. This information may also be found at the Console Requirements Web page at www.as400.ibm.com/tstudio/planning/pc_index.htm.

AS/400 and PC Software Requirements

You also need to fulfill both AS/400 and PC software requirements. (See Figure 1 for a detailed list.) Operations Console requires OS/400 (V4R3 or V4R4). When placing the order, your colleague was required to specify the OS/400 release that would be preloaded on your AS/400 server. To run Operations Console and EZ-Setup Wizard, you need a PC running either Windows 9x or Windows NT. On your PC, you also need IBM Client Access Express, which comes on the EZ-Setup CD-ROM included in your order. During setup, EZ-Setup Wizard installs Client Access Express.

If you are using Windows 95 or Windows 98, EZ-Setup Wizard requires that the Microsoft Windows operating system component Dial-Up Networking (Version 1.2 or higher) is installed. You also need TCP/IP protocol. When you use EZ-Setup Wizard, the wizard checks for the presence of the correct version of Dial-Up Networking and provides details on obtaining and installing it, if necessary. You can download the Dial-Up

Networking software and service packs from the Microsoft home page at www.microsoft.com.

If you are using Windows NT, Remote Access Service (RAS) must be installed on your PC. You must apply Windows NT Service Pack 3 or higher after you install RAS.

Physical Site Planning for Your AS/400e Server 170

Planning for the physical aspects of your business site is important for a smooth and timely installation. For guidance on physical planning, visit the AS/400 physical site planning Web page at www.as400.ibm.com/tstudio/planning/plngstrt.htm. Information on this Web page includes the following:

• Physical planning checklists. These include step-by-step plans to help you prepare your company’s site for its new AS/400. Where will it be located? Where and how will it be plugged in? How will other devices (such as printers or workstations) be connected to it? What sort of cables will it need?

• Quick reference. This features AS/400 specifications for dimension, power, temperature, and environment, as well as system hardware summaries for AS/400e servers.

• Installation planning. This is a service that IBM offers for a fee to ensure that you consider all aspects of the physical environment. Have you ever bought a sofa that perfectly matched your decor and suited your needs, only to find out upon delivery that it didn’t fit through your door? Installation planning eliminates these types of unpleasant surprises for your AS/400.

Setting Up Your AS/400e Server

Now that you have completed the planning for your new AS/400e server 170 and your order has arrived, you are ready to set up your system. You received one box containing the system unit, instructions on how to set it up, cables for connecting your PC to the AS/400, and additional information resources to help you start using your new AS/400. The box itself is sealed with two plastic bands. Icons on the box instruct you to cut these bands and remove the top cover. Looking inside the box, you see a piece of white cardboard with a starburst and an arrow leading you through three steps. IBM refers to this white piece of cardboard as the Unpack Shield.

Insert the AS/400 Installation and Upgrade Library CD-ROM into your PC and follow the directions. This PC can be a standalone PC, it does not have to be cabled to your AS/400. This CD-ROM contains PDF files of books that you should print before you begin setup.

Step 1: Unpack the system by using the unpack instructions. The unpack instructions show you exactly how to remove the AS/400 from the overpack box. Because this system weighs 55 to 88 pounds, you don’t want to just pick it up and lift it out. Instead, follow the instructions and use the included ramp to move the system easily into place.

Step 2: Cable the AS/400 to the system console PC by using the cabling poster. This poster leads you through five steps to cable the PC that you are using as your system console to the AS/400. The poster is easy to follow, and it should take about 10 minutes to complete all five steps. The last step on this poster instructs you to put the EZ-Setup CDROM into your PC that is cabled to your AS/400.

Step 3: Perform initial system configuration by using EZ-Setup. Because you ordered your system with Operations Console, you are able to take advantage of this wizard. To create the initial AS/400 configuration, all you need to do is insert the CD-ROM into your PC and answer the questions. These are some of the tasks that EZ-Setup leads you through:

• Installing Client Access Express and Operations Navigator

• Installing and configuring an Operations Console connection

• Configuring TCP/IP to connect to the AS/400

• Setting the system name

• Setting system date and time

• Setting security values

• Creating a user profile for a system operator and security officer

• Creating a LAN connection by using either Token-Ring or Ethernet cards that may or may not be connected to an Integrated Netfinity Server for AS/400 adapter

• Specifying the host servers you want to start with TCP/IP

• Installing Netscape Navigator if needed

• Launching Operations Navigator or The Next Step

After EZ-Setup leads you through these tasks, you are given the choice to add the following shortcuts to your PC desktop:

• The AS/400 Information Center (www.as400.ibm.com/infocenter) is your starting point for AS/400 information. Use the Information Center to find in-depth reference and task information on your most important technical concerns as well as new AS/400 functions. The topics include Backup, Recovery, and Availability; Client Access Express; Clustering; Database and File Systems; Domino for AS/400 Server; Internet and Secure Networks; Java; Logical Partitions; Networking; Operations Navigator; Programming; System Administration and Maintenance; TCP/IP; and Troubleshooting.

• The AS/400 Technical Studio (www.as400.ibm.com/tstudio) is a Web site that provides the latest advanced technical information, examples, sample applications, tips, and other resources for the AS/400 professional. Content includes Web Builder’s Workshop, Domino for AS/400, Networking, Data Management, Security, Site Preparation, and Operations Navigator.

• The AS/400 home page (www.as400.ibm.com) is generally the first place to start looking for new announcements on AS/400 products.

• The AS/400 Client Access home page (www.as400.ibm.com/clientaccess) has information on integrating your new AS/400 with your PC environment. Topics include Client Access Express, announcement letters, support information, and documentation.

• AS/400 Technical Support (as400service.rochester.ibm.com) has information about technical information databases, publications, PTFs, downloads, and other technical information that is useful in managing your AS/400.

After you complete the EZ-Setup tasks, you have the option to choose The Next Step, a set of HTML pages included on the EZ-Setup CD-ROM. These are the tasks that

most new AS/400 users do first. It is recommended that you preview these topics to determine which tasks fit with your business environment and then do the Create Systems Backup task. (For a detailed look at how IBM uses customer input to improve the setup of the AS/400, see “How Easy Is This? Very!” MC, April 1999.)

Additional Resources Provided with Your System

Now that you have finished the basic setup and configuration tasks for your new AS/400e server 170, it is a good time to browse through the additional information that IBM provides with your shipment. You can find the AS/400 Information Center CD-ROM in the box that has an icon of cables and books on it, and you can find additional information on the AS/400 Installation and Upgrade Library CD-ROM, which came with the Unpack Shield.

The AS/400 Information Center CD-ROM (which includes the AS/400 Softcopy Library CD-ROM) is a browser-based information retrieval system. Topics include Java, Domino for AS/400, Operations Navigator, and TCP/IP. The Information Center can be installed either on a standalone PC (running Windows 9x or NT) or to any mapped drive, including a LAN drive. The Information Center can also be accessed either via the Internet at www.as400.ibm.com/infocenter or from the Operations Navigator Help menu.

The AS/400 Softcopy Library CD-ROM contains electronic (softcopy) versions of all the V4R4 books in the AS/400 library. Use one of the IBM Library Reader programs (Windows, DOS, or OS/2), which are all included on the CD-ROM, to access and search these AS/400 books. You can also access the Softcopy Library via the Internet at publib.boulder.ibm.com/html/as400/onlinelib.htm. The following are some of the titles referenced on the Softcopy Library:

• AS/400 Software Installation V4R4 provides detailed, step-by-step information on topics such as planning for your installation, replacing the installed release with a new release, adding additional licensed programs, and adding a second language.

• AS/400 Basic System Operation, Administration, and Problem Handling V4R4 gives AS/400 system operators a fast path for their tasks. It covers the basics of starting up the system and provides information about using the system control panel, starting and stopping the system, using media, working with PTFs, and handling problems.

• Client Access Express for Windows—Setup V4R4M0 provides information about how to install Client Access Express for Windows and get it up and running.

• Introducing Performance Management/400e is a brochure that explains this service offering and the product deliverables. The PM/400e licensed program ensures that you get the most from your system by measuring growth and performance. These measurements allow you to plan more easily for future system growth and identify potential resource constraints.

• AS/400 Toolbox for Java Setup Guide V4R4 describes how to install and configure the AS/400 Toolbox for Java on your AS/400 system and workstation.

Congratulations!

You have just completed the unpack, setup, and installation of your new AS/400e server
170. By carrying out the AS/400e system preplanning tasks and the setup steps described in this article, setting up your AS/400e system was simple. If you haven’t taken time to browse the additional resources we recommended, now is a good time.

References and Related Materials

• AS/400 Basic System Operation, Administration, and Problem Handling V4R4 (SC41- 5206-03, CD-ROM QB3AGO03)

• AS/400 Information Center (CD-ROM SK3T-2027-02)
• AS/400 Installation and Upgrade Library (CD-ROM SK3T-4028)
• AS/400 Software Installation V4R4 (SC41-5120-03, CD-ROM QB3AWG03)
• AS/400 Toolbox for Java Setup Guide V4R4 (SC41-5438-02, CD-ROM QB3AFK02)
• Client Access Express for Windows—Setup V4R4M0 (SC41-5507-00, CD-ROM QB3ACN00)

• “Dump Your Twinax 5250 System Console with AS/400 Operations Console,” Jerry Barry, MC, March 1999
• EZ-Setup Wizard (CD-ROM SK3T-3025)
• “How Easy Is This? Very!” Kristin Zibell and Ivahn Dockter, MC, April 1999
• Introducing Performance Management/400e (G325-6343)

Minimum PC Hardware Requirements

Windows 9x:

• CD-ROM drive
• 486DX2 66-MHz processor (Pentium recommended)
• 16 MB RAM
• Available COM port
• Mouse
• 70 MB of available disk space (to install IBM AS/400 Client Access Express V4R4M0 included on EZ-Setup CD-ROM)
• Operations Console cable (included with your order)

Windows NT:

• CD-ROM drive
• Pentium 100 processor
• 24 MB RAM (32 MB recommended)
• Available COM port
• Mouse
• 70 MB of available disk space (to install IBM AS/400 Client Access Express V4R4M0 included on EZ-Setup CD-ROM)
• Operations Console cable (included with your order)

Hardware and Software Requirements for AS/400e Server 170

Minimum AS/400 Software Requirements

Windows 9x:

• OS/400 V4R3 or V4R4
• IBM AS/400 Client Access Express V4R4M0 (licensed program 5769-XE1)
• Dial-Up Networking 1.2 Upgrade (Windows 95 only)
• TCP/IP

Windows NT:

• OS/400 V4R3 or V4R4
• IBM AS/400 Client Access Express V4R4M0 (licensed program 5769-XE1)
• RAS
• Windows NT Service Pack 3 or higher applied after RAS is installed

Figure 1: You must meet these hardware and software requirements before your AS/400e server arrives.