HP PL Class 450/500/550/600/650/700/750 User manual

HP VISUALIZE Linux Workstation
User’s Guide
PL-Class Workstations
Printed in USA September 1999
Manufacturing Part Number: A1296-90000
Edition E0999
© Copyright 1999 Hewlett-Packard Company

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Legal Notices
The information contained in this document is subject to change without
notice.
Hewlett-Packard makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this
material, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Hewlett-Packard
shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or
consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance,
or use of this material.
Hewlett-Packard assumes no responsibility for the use or reliability of its
software on equipment that is not furnished by Hewlett-Packard.
This document contains proprietary information that is protected by
copyright. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be
photocopied, reproduced or translated to another language without the
prior written consent of Hewlett-Packard Company.
Trademark Acknowledgments
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reserved. Adobe and Acrobat are trademarks of Adobe Systems
Incorporated.
Red Hat®, the Red Hat “Shadow Man” logo, RPM, Maximum RPM, the
RPM logo, Linux Library, PowerTools, Linux Undercover, RHmember,
RHmember More, Rough Cuts, Rawhide and all Red Hat-based
trademarks and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of
RedHat, Inc. in the United States and other countries.
Linux® is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.
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Hewlett-Packard Company
3404 E. Harmony Road
Fort Collins, CO 80528-9599
USA

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IMPORTANT HP Linux Warranty Information
HP has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of our
product testing. However, because each customer’s
environment is different from HP’s laboratory test
environment, it is the customer’s responsibility to validate the
Year 2000 readiness of these products in their own
environment. Therefore, information about the Year 2000
status of HP products is provided “as is” without warranties of
any kind and is subject to change without notice. The
information provided here constitutes a Year 2000 Readiness
Disclosure for purposes of the Year 2000 Information and
Readiness Disclosure Act.
Hewlett-Packard makes no representation or warranty about
the Year 2000 readiness of non-HP products including
pre-installed operating systems or application software. Such
information, if any, was provided by the manufacturers of
those products and customers are urged to contact the
manufacturer directly to verify Year 2000 readiness.
ATTENTION: DUE TO THE NATURE OF LINUX
SOFTWARE, HP PROVIDES LINUX SOFTWARE “AS IS”
AND WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY WITH RESPECT TO
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE. LINUX MAY REQUIRE
CUSTOMER INSTALLATION OF SOFTWARE PATCHES
FOR YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE AND MAY REQUIRE
ADDITIONAL PATCHES IN THE FUTURE. FOR RED HAT
®
LINUX, CUSTOMER IS URGED TO FREQUENTLY
REVIEW THE RED HAT WEB SITE FOR THE LATEST
YEAR 2000 INFORMATION AT:
http://www.redhat.com

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Contents

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Chapter 1 Setting Up and Using Your
HP Visualize Linux Workstation 1
Unpacking Your HP Visualize Linux Workstation............................................. 2
Connecting the Mouse, Keyboard, Display and Printer ...................................... 3
Connecting to a Network .................................................................................... 4
Connecting Audio Accessories............................................................................ 5
Connecting an External SCSI Accessory............................................................. 7
Connecting the Power Cords ............................................................................... 9
Your HP Visualize Linux Workstation’s Hardware Control Panel................... 10
Starting and Stopping Your HP Visualize Linux Workstation.......................... 11
Starting Your Workstation for the First Time.............................................. 11
Initializing Your Software ........................................................................... 11
Creating Rescue Disk Set............................................................................. 12
Starting Your HP Visualize Linux Workstation.......................................... 13
Stopping Your HP Visualize Linux Workstation ........................................ 13
Additional Information and Help....................................................................... 14
Setting BIOS Passwords.................................................................................... 15
Setting an Administrator Password.............................................................. 15
Setting a User Password............................................................................... 16
Recycling an Old HP Workstation..................................................................... 18
Chapter 2 How to Install Accessories
In Your HP Visualize Linux Workstation 19
Supported HP Accessories................................................................................. 21
Removing and Replacing the Cover.................................................................. 22
Removing the Cover.................................................................................... 22
Replacing the Cover..................................................................................... 24
Moving the Power Supply ................................................................................. 26
Installing Memory.............................................................................................. 29
Main Memory Modules ............................................................................... 29
To install a main memory module:........................................................ 29
Installing Mass Storage Devices........................................................................ 32
Connecting Devices..................................................................................... 33
Installing a Hard Disk Drive in an Internal Shelf........................................ 36
Installing a Hard Disk Drive in a Front-Access Shelf ................................. 38
Completing the Installation of a Hard Disk Drive....................................... 42
Installing a Drive in a Front-Access Shelf .................................................. 43

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Completing the Installation of a Drive................................................... 46
Installing Accessory Boards .............................................................................. 47
Installing the Board...................................................................................... 47
Installing a Processor......................................................................................... 50
Installing Drivers and Utilities........................................................................... 53
Chapter 3 Troubleshooting Your HP Visualize Linux Workstation ................... 55
Solving Problems............................................................................................... 56
HPBIOS Summary Screen........................................................................... 56
HP MaxiLife ................................................................................................ 56
If Your Workstation Does Not Start Properly ................................................... 57
Display is Blank and There Are No Error Messages................................... 57
If you are Unable to Change any Values in Setup....................................... 59
If a POST Error Message is Displayed........................................................ 59
If You Cannot Turn Off Your Workstation....................................................... 62
If Your Workstation Has a Hardware Problem.................................................. 63
Display Does Not Work Properly................................................................ 63
If Your Keyboard Does Not Work............................................................... 64
If Your Mouse Does Not Work ................................................................... 64
If Your Printer Does Not Work ................................................................... 64
If the Flexible Disk Drive Does Not Work.................................................. 66
If the Hard Disk Drive Does not Work........................................................ 66
If the CD-ROM Drive Has a Problem ......................................................... 66
The CD-ROM Drive Does not Work..................................................... 67
No Sound from the CD-ROM Drive...................................................... 68
The CD-ROM Drive is Idle ................................................................... 68
The CD-ROM Drive Does not Open..................................................... 69
If an Accessory Board Does not Work........................................................ 70
Using HP MaxiLife to Diagnose Problems ....................................................... 71
Other Features.............................................................................................. 72
Recovering Your HP Visualize Linux Workstation’s Operating System.......... 75
Chapter 4 Technical Information......................................................................... 77
Features.............................................................................................................. 78
System Specifications........................................................................................ 80
Power Consumption Information................................................................. 80
Maximum Loads Available for Accessory Slots................................... 80
IRQs, DMAs, and I/O Addresses................................................................. 80

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Audio Features............................................................................................. 83
SCSI Features............................................................................................... 84
Network Features......................................................................................... 86
The Workstation’s Rear Connectors.................................................................. 87
System Connectors and Switches ...................................................................... 88
System Board Connectors............................................................................ 88
Internal Audio Connectors..................................................................... 89
System Board Switches................................................................................ 91
The HP BIOS Summary Screen and Setup Program......................................... 93
Viewing the HP BIOS Summary Screen..................................................... 93
Starting the HP BIOS Setup Program.......................................................... 93
Saving Your Changes and Leaving Setup ................................................... 95
Configuring Your Network Connection ............................................................ 96
Controlling the Network Security Features ................................................. 97
To enable starting from the network:..................................................... 97
Selecting the Boot Device Priority .............................................................. 97
Using the SCSI Configuration Utility................................................................ 99
Default Settings You Can Change............................................................... 99
Starting the SCSI Configuration Utility..................................................... 100
Main Menu................................................................................................. 100
Adapter Utilities Menu .............................................................................. 102
Adapter Setup Menu.................................................................................. 103
Device Selections Menu ............................................................................ 105
Device Setup Menu.................................................................................... 106
Exiting from the Configuration Utility...................................................... 107
Chapter 5 Hewlett Packard Support and Information Services......................... 109
Introduction...................................................................................................... 110
Your HP-Authorized Reseller.......................................................................... 111
Hewlett-Packard Information Services............................................................ 112
HP World Wide Web Site ......................................................................... 112
Ordering Drivers and BIOS on Diskette.......................................................... 113
HP Support Services........................................................................................ 115
Hewlett-Packard Telephone Support............................................................... 116
Lifeline Telephone Support ............................................................................. 118
Summary.......................................................................................................... 119
Hewlett-Packard Marketing Headquarters....................................................... 120

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Appendix ARegulatory Information and Warranty.............................................. 121
Declaration of Conformity............................................................................... 122
Regulatory Information.................................................................................... 123
FCC (for USA only)................................................................................... 123
HP Hardware Warranty.................................................................................... 126
Three Year Limited Hardware Warranty................................................... 126
Limitation of Warranty.............................................................................. 127
Obtaining On-Site Warranty Service......................................................... 128
Customer Responsibilities ......................................................................... 129
Obtaining Parts Warranty Service ............................................................. 129
HP Telephone Support Services ................................................................ 129
HP Software Product License Agreement and
Software Product Limited Warranty.......................................................... 130
HP Software Product License Agreement ................................................. 130
HP Software Product Warranty ................................................................. 132
Appendix BPhysical Characteristics.................................................................... 135
Personal Workstation Characteristics.............................................................. 136

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Preface
This owner’s guide describes how to use your HP VISUALIZE Linux
PL-Class Workstation. This Workstation features the Red Hat Linux
Operating System, pre-installed by Hewlett-Packard.
The PL-Class Workstation is designed to perform such tasks as locally
executed IC design. It provides the computing power of a 500MHz Intel

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Pentium III processor and supports up to 768MB of system memory. It is
equipped with dual SCSI controllers, single or dual 9GB internal discs,
and the ELSA GLoria Synergy+ graphics subsystem.
Red Hat Linux is a popular open source operating system that gives you
the ability to develop custom tools and applications or select from a
growing number of commercial software and freeware solutions.

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Special Notice for Users
The HP VISUALIZE Linux Workstation is made from a combination of
high performance Industry Standard components (for example, the Intel
Pentium III processor), popular HP value-added technologies and the
Red Hat Linux Operating System. The HP VISUALIZE Personal
Workstation also shares some important technologies with the HP
Kayak Workstations, including certain processor system board features.
Since these common technologies are used by the HP VISUALIZE
Workstations and the HP Kayak Workstations, your HP VISUALIZE Linux
Workstation will occasionally make reference to “HP Kayak PC
Workstations” or “HP Kayak XA-s.” This is particularly true during the
initial Power-On Self Test and when you see MaxiLife LCD messages.
Audience
This guide is intended for HP VISUALIZE Linux Workstation users who
want to:
• Set up the HP VISUALIZE Linux Workstation for the first time.
• Configure the HP VISUALIZE Linux Workstation.
• Troubleshoot problems on the HP VISUALIZE Linux Workstation.
• Add accessories to the HP VISUALIZE Linux Workstation.
• Find out where to get more information and support.

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Important Safety Information
WARNING If you have any doubt that you can lift the HP VISUALIZE Linux
Workstation or display safely, do not try to move it without help.
For your safety, always connect the equipment to a grounded
wall outlet. Always use a power cord with a properly grounded
plug, such as the one provided with this equipment, or one in
compliance with you national regulations. This HP VISUALIZE
Linux Workstation is disconnected from the power by removing
the power cord from the power outlet. This means the
Workstation must be located close to a power outlet that is easily
accessible.
For your safety, never remove the HP VISUALIZE Linux
Workstation’s cover without first removing the power cord from
the power outlet, and any connection to the telecommunications
network. Always replace the cover on the Workstation before
switching it on.
To avoid electric shocks, do not open the power supply. There are
no user-serviceable parts inside.
This HP VISUALIZE Linux Workstation is a class 1 laser product.
Do not attempt to make any adjustment to the laser units.
Important Ergonomic Information
It is strongly recommended that you read the ergonomic information
before using you HP VISUALIZE Linux Workstation.

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Installation Notice
Products designated in the applicable Hewlett-Packard price list as
customer-installable can be installed by computer-knowledgeable
customers who carefully read and follow the instructions provided.
Customers who elect to have the product installed by our field personnel
are charged the applicable field installation charge, as covered under the
standard terms and conditions. For more information, please contact
your local sales representative.
Revision History
The revision history for each edition of the manual is listed below:
Edition Revision History
E0999 First Printing
Problems, Questions, and Suggestions
If you have any problems or questions with our hardware or
documentation, please contact either your HP Response Center or your
local HP representative. If you have access to a web browser, you can get
the latest hardware patches at the following URL:
http://us-support.external.hp.com/
For further information about HP Linux program:
http://www.hp.com/visualize/products/linux
For more information about the Red Hat Operating System, see:
http://www.redhat.com

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Documentation Conventions
Unless otherwise noted in the text, this guide uses the following symbolic
conventions.
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Precautions
Electrostatic charges can damage the integrated circuits on printed
circuit boards. To prevent such damage from occurring, observe the
following precautions during board unpacking and installation:
• Stand on a static-free mat.
• Wear a static strap to ensure that any accumulated electrostatic
charge is discharged from your body to ground.
• Create a common ground for the equipment you are working on by
connecting the static-free mat, static strap, and peripheral units to
that piece of equipment.
• Keep uninstalled printed circuit boards in their protective antistatic
bags.
• Handle printed circuit boards by their edges, once you have removed
them from their protective antistatic bags.
user-supplied values Italic words or characters in syntax and command
descriptions represent values that you must supply.
Italics are also used in text for emphasis.
screen display Information that the system displays, commands that
you must use literally, and path names appear in this
typeface.
Enter Keycaps are presented with a special keycap font as
shown in the left column. (In this document, we refer
to the Enter key. On your keyboard, the key may be
labeled either Enter or Return.)

1
1 Setting Up and Using Your
HP VISUALIZE
Linux Workstation

2Chapter1
Setting Up and Using Your HP Visualize Linux Workstation
Unpacking Your HP Visualize Linux Workstation
Unpacking Your HP VISUALIZE Linux
Workstation
WARNING If you are in any doubt that you can lift the Workstation and the
display safely, do not try to move them without help.
1. When you receive your Workstation, unpack all of the components:
˘ Computer and power cords
˘ Display and its video cable
˘ HP keyboard, mouse and headphones
˘ Manuals and CD-ROMs.
2. Place the Workstation on (or under) a sturdy desk with easily
accessible power outlets and enough space for the keyboard, mouse,
and any other accessories.
3. Position the Workstation so that its rear connectors are easily
accessible.
4. Place the display next to the computer.
Installation Tools No tools are required to install your Workstation. However, if you plan to
install a disk drive or an accessory board inside your Workstation, you
will need a flat-blade screwdriver. For more information on installing
accessories, refer to the chapter “How to Install Accessories Inside Your
HP VISUALIZE Linux Workstation.”

Chapter 1 3
Setting Up and Using Your HP Visualize Linux Workstation
Connecting the Mouse, Keyboard, Display and Printer
Connecting the Mouse, Keyboard, Display and
Printer
Connect the mouse, keyboard, and display to the back of the
Workstation. The connectors are shaped to go in one way only. Tighten
the display cable attachment screws.
Connect the printer cable to the back of the computer and tighten the
attachment screws. Use the connector labeled:
• Parallel (25-pin parallel connector) for a parallel device.
• Serial A (9-pin serial connector) for a serial device.
• Serial B (9-pin serial connector) for a second serial device.
Mouse
Connector
Keyboard
Connector
Serial B
Port Serial A
Port
Parallel
Connector
Monitor
Connector

4Chapter1
Setting Up and Using Your HP Visualize Linux Workstation
Connecting to a Network
Connecting to a Network
Your HP VISUALIZE Linux Workstation has a 10BT/100TX LAN interface
adapter.
The LAN adapter supports both 10 Mbit/s and 100 Mbit/s operations and
automatically detects which network type is being used.
1. Connect the RJ-45 plug on your network cable to the LAN connector
on the LAN Adapter. Push the plug into the connector until the plug
clicks into place.
2. Attach the other end of the LAN cable to a hub (or into a wall socket
that is connected to a hub).
For further instructions on configuring your network connection, refer to
the section “Configuring Your Network Connection” in the chapter
“Technical Information.”
Let your Network Administrator know that you are connecting
your Workstation to the network.
The board shown here is a
combined SCSI/LAN board.