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 xSeries or IntelliStation® system, 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/.

© Copyright IBM Corp. 2005

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IBM xSeries 235 manual Appendix A. Getting help and technical assistance, Before you call

xSeries 235 specifications

The IBM xSeries 235 is a distinguished server model designed to cater to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses, offering a blend of performance, scalability, and manageability. This versatile server is powered by Intel's Xeon processors, providing robust processing capabilities that can handle a variety of workloads efficiently.

One of the main features of the xSeries 235 is its dual-processor architecture, which allows for increased computational power. This configuration can support up to two Intel Xeon processors, making it well-suited for multitasking environments where performance is crucial. Additionally, it offers support for up to 8GB of RAM, enabling it to manage multiple applications simultaneously and ensure smooth operation under load.

In terms of storage, the xSeries 235 accommodates several hard drive configurations. It supports a mix of SCSI and SATA drives, allowing users to choose the storage solution that best meets their performance and capacity needs. The server’s RAID capabilities further enhance data protection and availability, offering Options such as RAID 0, 1, 1E, 5, and 10 for flexible and reliable storage management.

The xSeries 235 is built on IBM's Enterprise X-Architecture, which brings advanced features such as Hot-Swap drive bays and redundant power supplies. These features ensure higher reliability and uptime, making it a dependable choice for critical business applications. The server also incorporates built-in management tools through the IBM Director software, providing administrators with the ability to monitor, manage, and streamline server operations effectively.

Furthermore, the xSeries 235's compact 1U form factor facilitates easy deployment in data center environments with limited space. This space-efficient design does not compromise on performance, as it can still deliver significant computational resources without the bulk of traditional servers.

The server also emphasizes energy efficiency, aligning with the increasing demand for environmentally friendly technology solutions. It is designed to minimize power consumption while maintaining high performance, contributing to lower operational costs for businesses.

Overall, the IBM xSeries 235 stands out as a reliable and cost-effective server solution, ideal for businesses looking to enhance their IT infrastructure without overshooting their budget. Its combination of processing power, storage flexibility, and enterprise-grade features encapsulates why it remains a preferred choice for many organizations.