Starting a session on your system is the first step in doing work on your system. After your system is turned on, just log in to the system to begin a session. To end your session, just log off the system. Logging-off procedures are detailed in the specific interface sections.
This section describes the following tasks:
The system is on if the power-on light is glowing and the power switch is set to On (I). The following illustration shows some possible locations of the power switches.
If the system unit's power-on light is on, proceed to Checking the Display Screen.
The following describes how to start or "power-on" a workstation. If you work at a terminal, the only feature you probably have is the power-on switch.
The key mode switch (if your system has one) controls the type of initial program started. Setting the mode to Normal permits the operating system to load. To learn more about the key mode switch, refer to the operator's guide for your system unit.
Attention: Pressing the Reset button when the key mode switch is in the Normal or Service position can cause data damage or loss. For additional information on Reset button operation, refer to the AIX Version 4.3 Problem Solving Guide and Reference.
When you set the power switch to On, the power-on light comes on, and the system starts an internal power-on self-test (POST).
If the power-on light does not come on, check the power cord located at the back of the system unit. It may not be plugged into a working electrical outlet. If this does not solve the problem, refer to the AIX Version 4.3 Problem Solving Guide and Reference.
The three-digit display on the operator panel has various uses:
Note: Not all system units have a three-digit display; instead, some system units use status messages and error logs to report the progress of the unit. If your system unit does not have a three-digit display, refer to your unit's user's guide for more information about errors and recovery.
During the POST, the code displayed shows the progress of the testing. When the self-tests complete without error, the three-digit display is blank.
If an error that requires attention occurs, a three-digit code remains, and the system unit stops. Consult your system administrator or refer to the AIX Version 4.3 Problem Solving Guide and Reference for more information about error codes and recovery.
Note: In some systems, if you start with the key mode switch in the Secure position, the power-on light does not come on, and the three-digit display remains blank. If this happens to you, just move the key to the Normal position and press the Reset button.
The following list explains the uses of the key mode switch positions. Your system unit may not have a key mode switch.
The display or monitor is on if its power-on light is glowing. If the display is on and its screen is dark, adjust the brightness control. If you have a screen saver program running, just press any key or move your mouse. Usually, you can locate the power switches and controls below or to the side of the screen. The following illustration shows the switches on a display. Your display may not necessarily look like this one.
If your display is off, power on the display, and adjust the controls if necessary.
Your display may have a tilt feature that lets you position the screen at a comfortable viewing angle. While working at your display, adjust the controls so that the screen image is easily viewable. For more information, see the display's operator's guide.
