Appendix A. Getting help and technical assistance

If you need help, service, or technical assistance or just want more information about IBM products, you will find a wide variety of sources available from IBM to assist you. This appendix contains information about where to go for additional information about IBM and IBM products, what to do if you experience a problem with your system or optional device, and whom to call for service, if it is necessary.

Before you call

Before you call, make sure that you have taken these steps to try to solve the problem yourself:

vCheck all cables to make sure that they are connected.

vCheck the power switches to make sure that the system and any optional devices are turned on.

vUse the troubleshooting information in your system documentation, and use the diagnostic tools that come with your system. Information about diagnostic tools is in the Hardware Maintenance Manual and Troubleshooting Guide or Problem Determination and Service Guide on the IBM Documentation CD that comes with your system.

Note: For some IntelliStation models, the Hardware Maintenance Manual and Troubleshooting Guide is available only from the IBM support Web site.

vGo to the IBM support Web site at http://www.ibm.com/servers/eserver/support/ xseries/index.html to check for technical information, hints, tips, and new device drivers or to submit a request for information.

You can solve many problems without outside assistance by following the troubleshooting procedures that IBM provides in the online help or in the documentation that is provided with your IBM product. The documentation that comes with IBM systems also describes the diagnostic tests that you can perform. Most systems, operating systems, and programs come with documentation that contains troubleshooting procedures and explanations of error messages and error codes. If you suspect a software problem, see the documentation for the operating system or program.

Using the documentation

Information about your IBM system and preinstalled software, if any, or optional device is available in the documentation that comes with the product. That documentation can include printed documents, online documents, readme files, and help files. See the troubleshooting information in your system documentation for instructions for using the diagnostic programs. The troubleshooting information or the diagnostic programs might tell you that you need additional or updated device drivers or other software. IBM maintains pages on the World Wide Web where you can get the latest technical information and download device drivers and updates. To access these pages, go to http://www.ibm.com/servers/eserver/support/xseries/ index.html and follow the instructions. Also, some documents are available through the IBM Publications Center at http://www.ibm.com/shop/publications/order/.

© Copyright IBM Corp. 2007

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IBM 4364, 4365 manual Appendix A. Getting help and technical assistance, Before you call, Using the documentation

4364, 4365 specifications

The IBM 4365 and 4364 are significant models in IBM’s lineup of mainframe computers, designed primarily for large organizations requiring robust processing capabilities. These models emerged during the late 1980s and early 1990s, serving to enhance the performance and versatility of business computing environments.

The IBM 4365, launched in 1985, is known for its sophisticated architecture and large processing power, capable of managing substantial transaction volumes. It features the advanced Multiple Virtual Storage (MVS) operating system, which allows for efficient processing and management of numerous tasks simultaneously. The MVS system contributes to high reliability and availability, factors paramount for businesses that rely on uninterrupted service.

One of the standout characteristics of the IBM 4365 is its ability to scale. Users could configure the system with multiple processors, allowing it to handle increasing workloads effectively. This scalability is made possible through its use of IBM's proprietary technology, which optimizes resource allocation to improve efficiency. The system could support an impressive number of users, making it ideal for large enterprises.

In contrast, the IBM 4364, released slightly later, is a more modest version aimed at smaller organizations but still renowned for its reliable performance. It too operates the MVS operating system, but its configurations are tailored for less intensive processing needs. It is designed with cost-effectiveness in mind, making it suitable for businesses that require robust computing without the extensive capabilities of larger systems.

Both models benefit from IBM's robust security features, ensuring data protection and compliance with industry standards. Additionally, they offer significant storage options, utilizing IBM's innovative storage technologies to retain vast amounts of data efficiently.

Among the key technologies that defined these mainframes were the use of advanced input/output capabilities and compatibility with a broad range of peripheral devices. This integration allowed organizations to enhance productivity while maintaining seamless operations across various applications.

Overall, the IBM 4365 and 4364 exemplify the evolution of mainframe technology during their era, offering remarkable processing power, superior reliability, and scalability while paving the way for future innovations in enterprise computing. Their legacy remains influential in shaping the landscape of business technology today, as organizations continue to rely on mainframe processing for critical operations.