Certify Media

This task allows the selection of diskette, DVD-RAM media or hard files to be certified. Normally, this is done for the following two conditions:

vTo determine the condition of the drive and media.

vTo verify that the media is error free after a Format Service Aid has been run on the media.

Normally, one would run certify if after running diagnostics on a drive and its media, no problem is found, but one still suspects that a problem still does exist.

Hard files can be connected either to a SCSI adapter (non-RAID) or a PCI SCSI RAID adapter. The usage and criteria for a hard file connected to a non-RAID SCSI adapter are different from those for a hard file connected to a PCI SCSI RAID adapter.

Certify may be used in the following ways:

vCertify Diskette

This selection enables you to verify the data written on a diskette. When you select this service aid, a menu asks you to select the type of diskette being verified. The program then reads all of the ID and data fields on the diskette one time and displays the total number of bad sectors found.

vCertify DVD-RAM media

This selection reads all of the ID and data fields. It checks for bad data and counts all errors encountered. If an unrecovered error occurs, or recovered errors exceed the threshold value, the data on the media should be transferred to other media and the original media should be discarded.

The Certify service aid will display the following information:

±Capacity in bytes

±Number of Data Errors Not Recovered

±Number of Equipment Check Errors

±Number of Recovered Errors

If the drive is reset during a certify operation, the operation is restarted.

If the drive is reset again, the certify operation is terminated and the user is asked to run diagnostics on the drive.

This task can be run directly from the AIX command line. See the following command syntax: diag -c-d-T certify

Flag Description

-cNo console mode

-dSpecifies a device

-TSpecifies the certify task

vCertify Hardfile Attached to a Non-RAID SCSI Adapter

This selection reads all of the ID and data fields. It checks for bad data and counts all errors encountered. If there are unrecovered data errors that do not exceed the threshold value, then the hard file needs to be formatted and certified. If the

Chapter 6. Introduction to Tasks and Service Aids 97

Page 111
Image 111
IBM pSeries690 manual Certify Media, Flag Description

pSeries690 specifications

The IBM pSeries690, also known as the IBM eServer p690, is a high-performance server within IBM's line of Power Systems, designed primarily for enterprise-level workloads. Launched in the early 2000s, it distinguished itself as one of IBM's flagship offerings, aimed at delivering exceptional scalability, reliability, and processing power.

At the heart of the pSeries690 is the IBM POWER4 processor, a revolutionary architecture that significantly enhanced processing capabilities. The system supports multiple processor configurations, allowing businesses to customize performance based on their specific applications. Each pSeries690 can be configured with up to 32 POWER4 processors, providing a maximum processing power that is well-suited for demanding enterprise applications, complex databases, and large-scale transaction processing.

One of the standout features of the pSeries690 is its ability to handle massive amounts of memory — up to 1TB of total RAM. This is particularly advantageous for businesses that run memory-intensive applications or require high availability for critical tasks. The server’s advanced memory architecture contributes to faster data access and improved overall system performance.

Additionally, the IBM pSeries690 employs the innovative AIX operating system, which is tailored for high performance and reliability. AIX comes equipped with features such as dynamic logical partitioning (LPAR), allowing resources to be allocated flexibly and efficiently across different workloads. This technology supports virtualization, enabling multiple operating environments to run concurrently on a single physical server, optimizing resource utilization.

The pSeries690 also includes robust fault tolerance and reliability features. Redundant components, hot-swappable parts, and advanced error detection mechanisms ensure that the system remains operational even in the event of hardware failures. This reliability is crucial for mission-critical applications where downtime can lead to substantial financial losses.

Networking capabilities of the pSeries690 are enhanced by support for high-speed connections, including Gigabit Ethernet and the ability to integrate with various network topologies. This versatility facilitates seamless connectivity in complex IT environments.

In conclusion, the IBM pSeries690 remains a powerful and reliable choice for enterprises seeking to manage and optimize their most demanding workloads. Its combination of cutting-edge processing capabilities, expansive memory support, and robust virtualization features makes it a significant player in the realm of enterprise computing. As businesses continue to evolve, the core strengths of the pSeries690, especially in terms of scalability and reliability, ensure that it continues to meet the needs of demanding applications.