how does AIX compare to linux?

Michael AM · 05-27-2006, 08:39 AM

I rebooted my systems to see the codes.

When the panel shows a code ending in FF1, thet is the moment to be pressing F1, etc. to break into the SMS menus (compareable to BIOS boot I guess). You have about 3-5 seconds before the system continues with it regular bootlist.

If you arent seeing anything on your CRT screen, either graphics or text, then your SMS console is the serial port, or an onboard graphics adapter (check for a graphical (VGA like) connector from the motherboard.)

Michael AM · 05-27-2006, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by microsoft/linux

other suggestions? I picked up a null modem(I think, best buy called it a serial modem cable), and I'll see what I can get that to do.

btw this is a "modem" cable, or straight cable. A null modem (DB25, never memorized the DB9 pin layout) has pins 2 & 3, 4 & 5, and 8 and 20 crossed (TxD/Rxd pair, RTS/CTS pair, DCD/DCR pair).

The idea is to emulate that you are calling out from a modem to another modem and then connect.

There are 'null-modem' adapters you can use in-line to make this cable work between a PC/laptop/serial terminal (e.g. ibm 3151 display) and the rs6000/pseries serial connector.

microsoft/linux · 05-27-2006, 10:14 AM

everytime it boots, it seems to work. I can get into the SMS menus. I can get it to seemingly give me a command line. But as soon as that happens, my monitor drops out w/ a "signal out of range" message. The modem cable I bought had oneend that was a 9-pin, and I guess the other side is a 25 pin cable. Does that mean the one I have won't work?

Michael AM · 05-28-2006, 04:46 PM

I think it means you still need the 'null-modem' part. That is a standard adapter.

If you can solder, you should be able to google the exact pinout. (25 x 9, 9 x 9, or 25 x 25).

Which system has a 25-pin connector? If none of your systems do, the cable wont be much use.

p.s. when in SMS menus - what do you see on screen?

microsoft/linux · 05-28-2006, 08:18 PM

the AIX machine's got a 25 pin port. In the SMS menu's there are three options: Config, Multiboot, and Utilites. Well there's exit, but that doesn't help really. I've changed the boot order a number of times using the multiboot menu, and I've only quickly scanned the titles of the utilites, none of which seemed to be able to help me. Config has no options underneath it, just information.