From: Allyn Uptain To: All
Well I went and did it. Bought a D02. Not a real powerhouse but hopefully a step in the right direction. Also cheaper than a 5362 with legal software.
My first question is: what is the story on the modem? I did not buy the IBM modem. No way I'm going to pay that price for a 2400-baud modem. What can I get to hook up to the AS/400 and use for ECS? Do I really need ECS? If IBM wants to call up my machine to save itself a road trip, then let it sell me a modem at a reasonable price.
The machine and CD are yet to arrive...any day now. I have everything I need ready and waiting--except the modem. Thanks for the help.
From: Eric Hill To: Allyn Uptain
I think any synchronous modem will do. I use it to order cum PTF packages and individual ones that I need. Once ordered by the ECS, they are delivered by overnight messenger. Other than that, I use it to call this BBS and that is about it.
From: Charlie McLean To: Allyn Uptain
ECS can do a lot more than just order PTFs and PSP tapes. It's a lot easier to submit software and hardware problems. Your problems submitted via ECS go directly to Level 2 hardware or software and you get a callback much faster. Also tracking the latest PSP packages is easier via the SF98210 cover letters, etc. And, as you said, you can use ITF on the AS/400 to imitate your PC and dial up a BBS.
From: Gary Beberman To: Charlie McLean
What is ITF? I use my home computer to access all the BBS's because I don't know how to get through via the AS/400.
From: Charlie McLean To: Gary Beberman
ITF is the AS/400 Interactive Terminal Facility. It mostly imitates a PC by allowing async communications from the AS/400. If that's all you got, then you make do without several features inherent to the PC. There's a file on this BBS (B128906) you can download from the AS/400 published programs area that has CL to build all the objects needed, vary them on, and then start ITF. I believe the program is called CALLBBS. Give it a try.
From: Allyn Uptain To: Eric Hill
It's interesting to me that you and Charlie, the other replier to my question, use these modems mainly for problems. If one doesn't order the PTFs, does IBM send you one automatically--every now and then? I've always made it a practice to stay a little behind in the PTF department. I never install a new release of the operating system until I have a set of PTFs to go with it. Also, are you using a synchronous modem to call customer support? Could I use a PC with asynch modem--like I use to call OpenBBS?
From: Charlie McLean To: Allyn Uptain
The PSP (preventive service package) bucket SF98vrm (like SF98210) usually covers PSP packages four or five back from current. You can then go get the cover letter for that PSP and read all about it. You request what you want and when. You can stay as current as you like. Another trick is to follow only HIPERs (high impact pervasive PTF). These are the ones that are labeled "must have." These used to be pretty clean, though we've been burned on three or four since V2R1.0. Still, a worthwhile way to keep up and control your own destiny. I think lots better than depending on some local PSR to roll one up for you. The modem is synchronous, though most are hardware switchable to use in asynchronous mode for BBS's, etc.
Problems can be submitted via ECS which is again synchronous to some big iron located someplace on this planet, I think. Problem determination can be run with F14 for most hardware problems reported as messages on the console. Hardware or software problem records can be generated with WRKPRB from any display and then submitted to IBM or your service provider.
Even though this machine has been out for a long time, it's not the same machine now as it was when it first started. The same is true for OS/400. New hardware and new features in the OS create an exposure for boo-boos. We've actually been quite stable for extended periods like five or six months. We've also experienced several weeks in a row of little VLIC and HLIC surprises every morning. It's not a simple system.
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