HP Workstation x2000 User manual

Getting Started Guide
HP x2000 Linux Workstation
Manufacturing Part Number: A7230-90001
Edition E0701
© Copyright 2001 Hewlett-Packard Company.

2
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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.
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software on equipment that is not furnished by Hewlett-Packard.
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prior written consent of Hewlett-Packard Company.
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HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY
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Palo Alto, California 94304 U.S.A.

3
Printing History
The manual printing date and part number indicate its current edition.
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Sales Representative for details.
First Edition: July 2001
Printing Division:
Hewlett-Packard Co.
Technical Computer Division
3404 E. Harmony Rd.
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Printed in the U.S.A.

4

Contents
5
1. Setting Up and Using Your Linux Workstation
Setting Up Your x2000 Linux Workstation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Installation Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Connecting Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Connecting the Power Cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Connecting Multimedia Accessories (if supplied). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Working In Comfort and Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Preparing Your Work Environment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Your Work Posture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Additional Ergonomic Issues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Starting and Stopping Your Linux Workstation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Starting Your Workstation for the First Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Initializing Your Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Stopping Your Linux Workstation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Setting Hardware Passwords in the HP Setup Program . . . . . . . . . . . .25
To Set a Password. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
If You Forget Your User Password. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Configuring Your Workstation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Starting the HP Setup Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Advanced Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Security Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Boot Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Power Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Viewing Your Workstation Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Using Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Software and Driver Availability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Additional System Information and Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

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Contents
2. Linux System Setup and Recovery
Configuring Your Linux Workstation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Setting the Root Password (required) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Changing Boot/Network Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Setting Up Network Authorization Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Xserver Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
DNS Parameters Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
System Time, Timezone and Date Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Setting Keyboard Language (required) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Netscape Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Recovering Your Linux System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
The Linux Rescue Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Booting Single User Mode Directly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
3. Troubleshooting Your Workstation
Solving Hardware Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Troubleshooting Tips: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
If You Lose the Key. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Need More Help?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Using HP MaxiLife to Diagnose Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Pre-Boot Check Error Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
POST Phase Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Pre-Boot Diagnostics Audio Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
If You Miss the Beep Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
HP DiagTools Hardware Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Where Can I Get e-DiagTools? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Starting e-DiagTools from the Utility Partition
on your Hard Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Starting e-DiagTools from the CD-ROM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Contents
7
Running HP e-DiagTools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Producing a Support Ticket. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
HP Customer Care Center Phone Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
A. Regulatory Information and Warranty
Regulatory Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
FCC (for USA only). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
HP Hardware Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Three Year Limited Hardware Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Limitation of Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
Limitation of Liability and Remedies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
Obtaining On-Site Warranty Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Customer Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Obtaining Parts Warranty Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
HP Telephone Support Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
HP Software Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
HP Software Product License Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

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Contents

9
Preface
This guide describes how to set-up and use your HP X2000 Linux
Workstations (herein referred to as “Linux Workstation” or simply
“Workstation”). These Workstations feature the Red Hat Linux
Operating System, pre-installed by Hewlett-Packard.
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.
Important Warnings
Avoiding Electrical Shocks
WARNING To avoid electrical shock, do not open the power supply. There
are no user-serviceable parts inside.
To avoid electrical shock and harm to your eyes by laser light, do
not open the laser module. The laser module should be serviced
by service personnel only. Do not attempt to make any
adjustment to the laser unit. Refer to the label on the CD-ROM
for power requirements and wavelength. This product is a class I
laser product.
Removing and Replacing the Cover
WARNING For your safety, never remove the Workstation cover without
first disconnecting the power cord from the power outlet and
removing any connection to a telecommunications network. If a
Power Protection Device is fitted to your Workstation, you must
shut down your computer using the on/off switch, then remove
the power cord before removing the Workstation’s cover. Remove
the Power Protection Device cables before any servicing
operation. Always replace the cover before switching the

10
Workstation on again.
Safety Information
WARNING There is a danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly
installed. For your safety, never attempt to recharge,
disassemble, or burn an old battery. Replace the battery with the
same or equivalent type, as recommended by the manufacturer.
The battery in this Workstation is a lithium battery that does not
contain any heavy metals. However, to protect the environment,
do not dispose of batteries in household waste. Return used
batteries either to the shop from which you bought them, to the
dealer from whom you purchased your Workstation, or to HP so
that they can either be recycled or disposed of in the correct
way. Returned batteries will be accepted free of charge.
If You Have a Modem
• Do not attempt to connect this product to the phone line during a
lightning storm. Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless
the telephone line has been disconnected at the network interface.
Never touch uninsulated telephone wires or terminals unless the
telephone line has been disconnected at the network interface. Use
caution when installing or modifying telephone lines. Avoid using a
telephone (other than a cordless type) during an lightning storm.
There may be a risk from lightning.
• Never touch or remove the communications board without first
removing the connection to the telephone network.
• Use minimum Nº 26 AWG wire for telephone cable.
WARNING Some parts inside the computer may be hot, wait for them to cool
down before touching them.

11
Avoiding Static Electricity
CAUTION Static electricity can damage electronic components. Turn OFF all
equipment before installing an accessory card. Don’t let your clothes
touch the accessory card. To equalize the static electricity, rest the
accessory card bag on top of the Workstation while you are removing the
card from the bag. Handle the card as little as possible and with care.
Information on Ergonomic Issues
It is strongly recommended that you read the ergonomics information,
available in the Working In Comfort section of this manual, before using
your Workstation.
You can access more extensive ergonomics information from your
Workstation by clicking the Start button, and then Programs ➙HP Info➙
Working in Comfort, or by connecting to HP’s web site www.hp.com/ergo.
Recycling your Workstation
HP has a strong commitment toward the environment. Your HP
Workstation has been designed to respect the environment as much as
possible. HP can also take back your old Workstation for recycling when
it reaches the end of its useful life. HP has a product take-back program
in several countries. The collected equipment is sent to one of HP’s
recycling facilities in Europe or the USA. As many parts as possible are
reused. The remainder is recycled. Special care is taken for batteries and
other potential toxic substances, these are reduced into non-harmful
components through special chemical processes. If you require more
details about HP’s product take-back program, contact your local dealer
or your nearest HP Sales Office.

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Finding Information and Help
Downloadable Documentation from HP’s Web Site
The HP Workstations web site (www.hp.com/workstations/support)
contains a wide range of free information, including downloadable
documentation, service and support options, and the latest versions of
drivers and utilities.
To view and print the above guides, you must have Adobe’s Acrobat
Reader installed on your Workstation. You can download it free of charge
from the Adobe Systems Incorporated web site: www.adobe.com.
Table 1 Information Roadmap
If you want... Refer to...
To set up your
computer •x2000 Installation Poster —shipped with the
Workstation, basic information only.
•This manual — basic information only.
To troubleshoot
your Workstation,
install accessories,
find part numbers.
•This manual — basic information only
•x2000 Accessory Installation Guide - shipped with
customer installed accessories only.
•x2000 Technical Reference/Troubleshooting
Manual-- complete information (web accessible, see
below) including: system board switches, IRQs,
DMAs, and I/O Addresses, power consumption and
acoustic noise emission test configurations, how to
configure your network connection, parts
installation and troubleshooting.
•x2000 Service Handbook - part numbers and
exploded views (web accessible, see below)
Support
information www.hp.com/workstations/support — downloadable documentation, drivers & utilities, service & support
options.
Warranty
information This manual. See “Hardware Warranty” or “HP Software Limited Warranty” in Appendix A.

13
HP x2000 Technical Characteristics
NOTE Operating temperature and humidity ranges may vary depending on the
mass storage devices installed. High humidity levels can cause improper
operation of disk drives. Low humidity can aggravate static electricity
problems and cause excessive wear of the disk surface.
Power consumption and acoustics figures are valid for a standard
configuration. For configurations, go to: www.hp.com/workstations
NOTE When the computer is turned off with the power button on the front
panel, the power consumption falls below 3W, but it is not zero. This
on/off method extends the life of the power supply. To reach zero power
consumption in “off” mode, either unplug the power outlet or use a power
distribution unit with a switch. When the power consumption is zero for
an extended period of time, the life of the internal battery is shortened.
Characteristics HP x2000 Workstation
Weight (configuration with one CD-ROM
drive, excluding keyboard and display) 14.4 kg (31.68 pounds)
Dimensions Width: 21.0cm (8.26in.)
Height: 49.0cm (19.29in.)
Depth: 47.0cm (18.50in.)
Footprint 0.09 m2 (1.06 sq ft).
Acoustic noise emission (ISO 7779)
Operating (idle):
Sound power level
LwA <=40.5 dBA
Power Supply
Input voltage (input current, max.)
Input frequency:
Maximum output power:
100 - 127 VAC, 5.5 A
200 - 250 VAC, 2.5 A
50/60Hz
492 W
Power consumption 25 W
Storage Humidity 8% to 85% (relative)
Operating Temperature +10 ˚C to +35 ˚C (+40 ˚F to +95˚F).

14

Chapter 1 15
1 Setting Up and Using Your
Linux Workstation
This Guide provides you with essential information on initial setup,
basic troubleshooting and warranty for your x2000 Linux Workstation.

Setting Up and Using Your Linux Workstation
Setting Up Your x2000 Linux Workstation
Chapter 116
Setting Up Your x2000 Linux Workstation
WARNING If you have any doubt that you can lift the Workstation and
monitor safely, do not try to move them without help.
1. When you receive your Workstation, verify that you have all of the
components as shipped.
2. Place the Workstation in an area 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.
Installation Tools
No tools are required to set up your Workstation. However, if you plan to
install or replace an accessory inside your Workstation, you will need a
T-15 Torx screwdriver and a flat-blade screwdriver.
Connecting Devices
Before connecting any cords or cables to your Workstation, please read
the Warning Notices in the Preface of this manual.
If you purchased a graphics card that was not installed in your
Workstation at the factory, you must install that card now. To install,
refer to the instructions that came with the card or see the x2000
Technical Reference/Troubleshooting Guide available at:
http://www.hp.com/workstations/support.

Setting Up and Using Your Linux Workstation
Setting Up Your x2000 Linux Workstation
Chapter 1 17
Figure 1-1 Location of Rear Panel Connectors
Match the color-codes of the connectors. The connectors are shaped to go
in one way only. Figure 1-2 shows typical connectors.
Figure 1-2 Typical Connectors
Parallel port
Serial port A
Keyboard connector
Dual USB connectors
Serial port B
Line Out (headphone)
connector
Line In connector
Microphone connector
Mouse connector
Display connector
Keyboard (purple)
Two USB connectors
(black)
Two 9-pin Serial
connectors (turquoise)
Monitor
Refer to the manual that came
with the monitor. You must use
the graphics card connector to
connect your monitor.
Mouse (green)
25-pin Parallel connector
(burgundy).
Refer to the manual that
came with the printer.
LAN
You must use the network card
connector to connect to a LAN.
Multi-media
Microphone (pink)
Audio In (blue)
Audio Out (lime green)
Note: plugging in the audio
out connector disables the
internal speaker

Setting Up and Using Your Linux Workstation
Setting Up Your x2000 Linux Workstation
Chapter 118
Connecting the Power Cord
WARNING For your safety always connect equipment to a grounded wall
outlet. Always use a power cord with a properly grounded plug,
such as the one provided with the equipment, or one in
compliance with your national safety standards. This equipment
can be disconnected from the power by removing the power cord
from the power outlet. This means the equipment must be
located close to an easily accessible power outlet.
1. Connect the power cords to the rear of the monitor and the computer.
(The connectors are shaped to go in one way only.)
2. Connect the monitor’s power cord and the computer’s power cord to a
grounded outlet.
Connecting Multimedia Accessories (if supplied)
WARNING When you start your system, the speaker and headphone volume
is set to maximum. Always turn the volume down before using
the headphones or speakers. This avoids discomfort from
unexpected noise or static. Listening to loud sounds for
prolonged periods of time may permanently damage your
hearing. Before putting on headphones, place them around your
neck and turn the volume down. When you put the headphones
on, slowly increase the volume until you find a comfortable
listening level. When you are able to hear comfortably and
clearly, without distortion, leave the volume in that position.
1. Connect the HP multimedia keyboard to the Workstation. The
connectors are color-coded for easy matching.
2. Connect the microphone and headphones (or amplified speakers) to
the keyboard.
NOTE Plugging in the speaker/headphone (lime green) connector will
disable the Workstation’s internal speaker. If you want audio

Setting Up and Using Your Linux Workstation
Working In Comfort and Safety
Chapter 1 19
capability, either plug-in the headphones or speakers or disconnect
the speaker/headphone connector (lime green) and use the
Workstation’s internal speaker.
Figure 1-3 Connecting Multimedia Accessories
NOTE Connect devices such as a Smart Card Reader to both a serial connector
and a mouse port. Depending on your model, do not use a keyboard port
as it does not provide enough power.
Working In Comfort and Safety
Preparing Your Work Environment
When using HP computing equipment, it is important that your work
environment contributes to your comfort and productivity:
Standard keyboard
connector (purple)
Speaker/headphones socket (lime)
Keyboard headphones/
speaker socket
Keyboard microphone
socket
Microphone socket (pink)

Setting Up and Using Your Linux Workstation
Working In Comfort and Safety
Chapter 120
Figure 1-4 Your Work Environment
•Work Surface Height. Your work surface should be height adjustable. To
ensure that your work surface is at the correct height, first adjust the height
of your chair so that your feet are firmly on the floor or on an angled foot rest,
then adjust the work surface height until your forearms are parallel to the
floor when you have your fingers on the keyboard or other input devices.
•Chair. Your chair should provide a comfortable sitting position including
features such as a height and tilt adjustment feature, curved seat edge, a
stable base (for example, five legs and castors, adjustable back support, a
freely rotating swivel, fully adjustable padded arm rests).
•Monitor. Place your monitor so that the top of the screen is at, or slightly
below, eye level (up to 15 degrees).
•Work Surface Arrangement. Make sure that all elements of your HP
Workstation system for example, monitor, document holder, keyboard, mice
and other input devices, and headphones and speakers- are optimally
arranged and adjusted to meet your personal requirements. For example, if
you are primarily using the keyboard, place it directly in front of you, not to
the side. If your work involves extensive use of a mouse or other pointing
device, place that device directly in front of your left or right arm. If you are
using both a mouse and keyboard, place them both at the same work surface
height and close together. If a palm rest is used, the height should be flush
with the front edge of the keyboard. Other items, such as your telephone or
notepad, should also be considered.
CAUTION Various aspects of using mice, keyboards and other input devices may increase
your risk of discomfort or injury. Optimize your comfort and safety by positioning
these devices properly.
Thigh
Clearance
>6cm
<15˚
Keyboard Height
64-76 cm
Document holder
Keyboard
Slope