Preface

MPE/iX, Multiprogramming Executive with Integrated POSIX, is the latest in a series of forward-compatible operating systems for the HP 3000 line of computers.

In HP documentation and in talking with HP 3000 users, you will encounter references to MPE XL, the direct predecessor of MPE/iX. MPE/iX is a superset of MPE XL. All programs written for MPE XL will run without change under MPE/iX. You can continue to use MPE XL system documentation, although it may not refer to features added to the operating system to support POSIX (for example, hierarchical directories).

Finally, you may encounter references to MPE V, which is the operating system for HP 3000s, not based on the PA-RISC architecture. MPE V software can be run on the PA-RISC (Series 900) HP 3000s in what is known as compatibility mode.

The Performing System Management Tasks manual is an introduction to managing the 900 Series HP 3000 computer systems. It explains procedures and processes that the system manager uses to perform daily tasks.

Defining Hardware to the System

The system manager is typically the person who puts together the computer hardware to make it an operational unit or system. This person is responsible for defining peripheral units (printers, tape drives, disk drives, and terminals) to the operating system software, which then controls and operates the hardware.

The system manager uses two software products to define peripherals:

Both of these products are delivered with your computer system.

Tasks and Procedures

This manual is written in a task format. To perform a task, simply look it up in the table of contents or in the index, turn to that section, read the introduction and follow the steps and examples.

How to Get Started

This manual is a companion to the Performing System Operations Tasks manual. You should review the Table of Contents in that manual to familiarize yourself with system operations and understand the relationship between operations and system management.