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 BladeCenter T unit, 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 is turned on.

vUse the troubleshooting information in your system documentation, and use the diagnostic tools that come with your system.

vGo to the IBM Support Web site at http://www.ibm.com/pc/support to check for technical information, hints, tips, and new device drivers.

vUse an IBM discussion forum on the IBM Web site to ask questions.

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

Using the documentation

Information about your IBM xSeries or IntelliStation system and preinstalled software, if any, is available in the documentation that comes with your system. That documentation includes printed books, online books, 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/pc/support and follow the instructions. Also, you can order publications through the IBM Publications Ordering System at http://www.elink.ibmlink.ibm.com/public/applications/publications/cgibin/ pbi.cgi.

Getting help and information from the World Wide Web

On the World Wide Web, the IBM Web site has up-to-date information about IBM xSeries and IntelliStation products, services, and support. The address for IBM xSeries information is http://www.ibm.com/eserver/xseries/. The address for IBM IntelliStation information is http://www.ibm.com/pc/intellistation/.

You can find service information for your IBM products, including supported options, at http://www.ibm.com/pc/support. If you click Profile from the support page, you

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IBM Type 8720, Type 8730 manual Appendix A. Getting help and technical assistance, Before you call

Type 8730, Type 8720 specifications

The IBM Type 8720 and Type 8730, part of IBM's extensive line of printers, stand out as reliable and technologically advanced devices designed for both small and large-scale industries. These printers, which were introduced in the early 1990s, catered to the evolving needs of businesses by delivering high-quality output combined with versatility and efficiency.

One of the main features of the IBM Type 8720 is its innovative line printer technology. Unlike traditional printers that utilized a single print head, the 8720 employs a unique printing mechanism that utilizes multiple print wires, ensuring faster print speeds and more precise character formations. This multi-wire technology enables the printer to achieve a print speed of up to 1,500 lines per minute, making it ideal for high-volume printing environments.

The IBM Type 8730, on the other hand, builds upon the foundation set by the 8720 by introducing more advanced features aimed at enhancing user experience. Among its key characteristics is its advanced processing capability, which allows for more complex document handling and high-quality graphics outputs. The 8730's capability to support a range of media types, including labels, envelopes, and fanfold paper, further enhances its versatility, enabling businesses to print various documents without needing multiple machines.

Both printers are designed with user-friendly interfaces that simplify operations and maintenance. Their modular design allows for easy upgrades, ensuring that companies can keep pace with changing printing demands and technological advancements. Additionally, their robust build quality guarantees long-lasting performance even in demanding environments.

In terms of connectivity, the IBM Type 8720 and 8730 support a variety of communication protocols, including parallel and serial interfaces, which facilitate easy integration into existing network environments. This connectivity ensures that businesses can seamlessly connect the printers to their mainframes or personal computers, streamlining the printing process.

Overall, the IBM Type 8720 and Type 8730 are exemplary allies for businesses seeking efficient, high-speed printing solutions. With their advanced technologies, extensive features, and reliable performance, these printers have maintained a loyal following and continue to be relevant in the realms of business printing, showcasing IBM's commitment to innovation and quality in the field of printing technology.