OpenVMS System Manager's Manual

Document revision date: 19 July 1999

OpenVMS System Manager's Manual

January 1999

This manual is a task-oriented guide to managing an OpenVMS system.

Revision/Update Information: This manual supersedes the OpenVMS System Manager's Manual, OpenVMS Version 7.1

Software Version: OpenVMS Alpha Version 7.2 OpenVMS VAX Version 7.2

Compaq Computer Corporation
Houston, Texas

January 1999

Compaq Computer Corporation makes no representations that the use of its products in the manner described in this publication will not infringe on existing or future patent rights, nor do the descriptions contained in this publication imply the granting of licenses to make, use, or sell equipment or software in accordance with the description.

Possession, use, or copying of the software described in this publication is authorized only pursuant to a valid written license from Compaq or an authorized sublicensor.

Compaq conducts its business in a manner that conserves the environment and protects the safety and health of its employees, customers, and the community.

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ZK6017

The OpenVMS documentation set is available on CD-ROM.

Contents Index

Preface

Intended Audience

The intended audience for this manual is OpenVMS system managers.

Document Structure

The OpenVMS System Manager's Manual consists of the following chapters:

For more information about the structure of the OpenVMS System Manager's Manual, see Section 1.1.

Reader's Comments

Compaq welcomes your comments on this manual.

Print or edit the online form SYS$HELP:OPENVMSDOC_COMMENTS.TXT and send us your comments by:

Internet openvmsdoc@zko.mts.dec.com

Fax 603 884-0120, Attention: OSSG Documentation, ZK03-4/U08

Mail OSSG Documentation Group, ZKO3-4/U08
110 Spit Brook Rd.
Nashua, NH 03062-2698

How To Order Additional Documentation

Use the following World Wide Web address to order additional documentation:

http://www.openvms.digital.com:81/

If you need help deciding which documentation best meets your needs, call 800-DIGITAL (800-344-4825).

Conventions

In this manual, any reference to OpenVMS is synonymous with Compaq OpenVMS.

VMScluster systems are now referred to as OpenVMS Cluster systems. Unless otherwise specified, references to OpenVMS Clusters or clusters in this document are synonymous with VMSclusters.

In this manual, every use of DECwindows and DECwindows Motif refers to DECwindows Motif for OpenVMS software.

The following conventions are also used in this manual:

Ctrl/ x A sequence such as Ctrl/ x indicates that you must hold down the key labeled Ctrl while you press another key or a pointing device button.

PF1 x A sequence such as PF1 x indicates that you must first press and release the key labeled PF1 and then press and release another key or a pointing device button.

[Return] In examples, a key name enclosed in a box indicates that you press a key on the keyboard. (In text, a key name is not enclosed in a box.)
In the HTML version of this document, this convention appears as brackets, rather than a box.

... A horizontal ellipsis in examples indicates one of the following possibilities:

Additional optional arguments in a statement have been omitted.
The preceding item or items can be repeated one or more times.
Additional parameters, values, or other information can be entered.

.
.
. A vertical ellipsis indicates the omission of items from a code example or command format; the items are omitted because they are not important to the topic being discussed.

( ) In command format descriptions, parentheses indicate that you must enclose the options in parentheses if you choose more than one.

[ ] In command format descriptions, brackets indicate optional elements. You can choose one, none, or all of the options. (Brackets are not optional, however, in the syntax of a directory name in an OpenVMS file specification or in the syntax of a substring specification in an assignment statement.)

[|] In command format descriptions, vertical bars separating items inside brackets indicate that you must choose one, none, or more than one of the options.

{ } In command format descriptions, braces indicate a required choice of options; you must choose one of the options listed.

text style This text style represents the introduction of a new term or the name of an argument, an attribute, or a reason.
In the HTML version of this Conventions table, this convention appears as italic text.

italic text Italic text indicates important information, complete titles of manuals, or variables. Variables include information that varies in system output (Internal error number), in command lines (/PRODUCER= name), and in command parameters in text (where dd represents the predefined code for the device type).

UPPERCASE TEXT Uppercase text indicates a command, the name of a routine, the name of a file, or the abbreviation for a system privilege.

Monospace type Monospace type indicates code examples and interactive screen displays.
In the C programming language, monospace type identifies the following elements: keywords, the names of independently compiled external functions and files, syntax summaries, and references to variables or identifiers introduced in an example.

- A hyphen at the end of a command format description, command line, or code line indicates that the command or statement continues on the following line.

numbers All numbers in text are assumed to be decimal unless otherwise noted. Nondecimal radixes---binary, octal, or hexadecimal---are explicitly indicated.

Chapter 1
Overview of This Manual

Together, the two parts of this manual explain tasks and concepts related to managing a system. This chapter describes this manual and how to use it.

The OpenVMS System Manager's Manual explains system management tasks for new and experienced system managers. However, before performing these tasks, you should be familiar with the following items:

User-level tasks such as creating and editing files and command procedures. For more information, refer to the OpenVMS User's Manual.
DCL commands. For more information, refer to the OpenVMS DCL Dictionary.

Information Provided in This Chapter

This chapter describes the following tasks:

Task Section

Using the OpenVMS System Manager's Manual Section 1.1

Finding information about managing complex environments Section 1.3

Finding information about managing small systems Section 1.4

Task	Section
Using the OpenVMS System Manager's Manual	Section 1.1
Finding information about managing complex environments	Section 1.3
Finding information about managing small systems	Section 1.4

This chapter explains the following concept:

Concept Section

How this manual relates to other system management documentation Section 1.2

Concept	Section
How this manual relates to other system management documentation	Section 1.2

1.1 Using the OpenVMS System Manager's Manual

The OpenVMS System Manager's Manual is made up of two parts:

This book, OpenVMS System Manager's Manual: Essentials
A second book, OpenVMS System Manager's Manual: Tuning, Monitoring, and Complex Systems

Use these two books to get step-by-step instructions for general system management tasks.

The first page of each chapter in these books provides two tables to help you find information within the chapter.

The Task Table

The first table lists the major tasks described in the chapter. If you need to perform a task quickly, go directly to the section that explains that task. For example, in this chapter the task table lists the following tasks:

Task Section

Using the OpenVMS System Manager's Manual Section 1.1

Finding information about managing complex environments Section 1.3

Finding information about managing small systems Section 1.4

Task	Section
Using the OpenVMS System Manager's Manual	Section 1.1
Finding information about managing complex environments	Section 1.3
Finding information about managing small systems	Section 1.4

The Concept Table

The second table lists the major concepts explained in the chapter. If you want to learn more about an underlying concept, go to the appropriate concept section. For example, the concept table in this chapter lists the following concept:

Concept Section

How this manual relates to other system management documentation Section 1.2

Concept	Section
How this manual relates to other system management documentation	Section 1.2

1.2 How This Manual Relates to Other System Management Documentation

This manual is intended to be used as a companion to other OpenVMS system management manuals. The Preface of this manual lists the books you should be prepared to use along with the OpenVMS System Manager's Manual.

1.3 Finding Information About Managing Complex Environments

If you are managing large or complex configurations, you will need additional specialized information. Table 1-1 lists some typical environments and OpenVMS manuals containing specialized information for managing those environments.

Table 1-1 Documentation for Managing Complex Environments
Task Manual

Networked environments DECnet-Plus for OpenVMS Network Management

OpenVMS Cluster environments OpenVMS Cluster Systems and
Guidelines for OpenVMS Cluster Configurations

Migrating from VAX to Alpha environment Migrating an Environment from OpenVMS VAX to OpenVMS Alpha

Performance management OpenVMS Performance Management

System security OpenVMS Guide to System Security

**Table 1-1 Documentation for Managing Complex Environments**
Task	Manual
Networked environments	DECnet-Plus for OpenVMS Network Management
OpenVMS Cluster environments	OpenVMS Cluster Systems and Guidelines for OpenVMS Cluster Configurations
Migrating from VAX to Alpha environment	Migrating an Environment from OpenVMS VAX to OpenVMS Alpha
Performance management	OpenVMS Performance Management
System security	OpenVMS Guide to System Security

1.4 Finding Information About Managing Small Systems

If you are managing a small standalone system---for example, a desktop workstation---you probably need to perform only basic system management tasks.

Table 1-2 lists the tasks you are likely to perform, and where to find instructions for performing these tasks.

Table 1-2 Documentation for Managing Small Standalone Systems
Task Chapter, Section, or Other Manual

Installing and upgrading the operating system The Upgrade and Installation Manual

Installing layered products Section 3.2

Loading software licenses Section 3.3.2

Booting the system Section 4.1.3.1

Shutting down the system Section 4.8.1

+Using VMSTAILOR to remove files from the system disk Section 5.1

Modifying site-specific startup command procedures Section 5.2

Modifying login command procedures Section 5.3

Setting up user accounts Chapter 6

Backing up workstation disks Section 10.15.7

Backing up and restoring the system disk Section 10.17

Starting the queue manager and creating the queue database Section 12.5

Setting up and starting simple queues Section 13.1.1

Setting system parameters with AUTOGEN Section 14.5

Tuning the system Chapter 16

**Table 1-2 Documentation for Managing Small Standalone Systems**
Task	Chapter, Section, or Other Manual
Installing and upgrading the operating system	The Upgrade and Installation Manual
Installing layered products	Section 3.2
Loading software licenses	Section 3.3.2
Booting the system	Section 4.1.3.1
Shutting down the system	Section 4.8.1
+Using VMSTAILOR to remove files from the system disk	Section 5.1
Modifying site-specific startup command procedures	Section 5.2
Modifying login command procedures	Section 5.3
Setting up user accounts	Chapter 6
Backing up workstation disks	Section 10.15.7
Backing up and restoring the system disk	Section 10.17
Starting the queue manager and creating the queue database	Section 12.5
Setting up and starting simple queues	Section 13.1.1
Setting system parameters with AUTOGEN	Section 14.5
Tuning the system	Chapter 16

+VAX specific

Chapter 2
Using OpenVMS System Management Utilities and Tools

This chapter provides general information about system management utilities and tools that are provided with the OpenVMS operating system.

Procedures for using utilities and tools to perform specific tasks are provided in the respective chapters that describe those tasks. For example, this chapter contains a general description of the System Management utility (SYSMAN). Section 8.11.2 describes how to use SYSMAN to manage disk quotas. Section 14.7 describes how to use SYSMAN to manage system parameters.

To use system management tools, you can also refer to the following documentation:

Online help for online information about commands and qualifiers for DCL and system management utilities
The OpenVMS System Management Utilities Reference Manual for detailed information about commands and qualifiers for system management utilities
The OpenVMS DCL Dictionary for detailed information about DCL commands and qualifiers

Information Provided in This Chapter

This chapter describes the following tasks:

Task Section

Logging in to the SYSTEM account Section 2.2

Using SYSMAN to centralize system management Section 2.3

Using OPCOM to communicate with system users Section 2.4

Using VMSKITBLD.COM to modify a system disk Section 2.5

Task	Section
Logging in to the SYSTEM account	Section 2.2
Using SYSMAN to centralize system management	Section 2.3
Using OPCOM to communicate with system users	Section 2.4
Using VMSKITBLD.COM to modify a system disk	Section 2.5

This chapter explains the following concepts:

Concept Section

OpenVMS system management tools Section 2.1

DCL commands for system management Section 2.1.2

System messages Section 2.1.3

DCL command procedures for system management Section 2.1.4

System management utilities Section 2.1.5

MGRMENU.COM command procedure Section 2.1.6

System Management utility (SYSMAN) Section 2.3.1

Understanding a SYSMAN management environment Section 2.3.3

Understanding a SYSMAN profile Section 2.3.5

Understanding OPCOM Section 2.4.1

Concept	Section
OpenVMS system management tools	Section 2.1
DCL commands for system management	Section 2.1.2
System messages	Section 2.1.3
DCL command procedures for system management	Section 2.1.4
System management utilities	Section 2.1.5
MGRMENU.COM command procedure	Section 2.1.6
System Management utility (SYSMAN)	Section 2.3.1
Understanding a SYSMAN management environment	Section 2.3.3
Understanding a SYSMAN profile	Section 2.3.5
Understanding OPCOM	Section 2.4.1

2.1 Understanding OpenVMS System Management Tools

Compaq supplies the following software tools to monitor and control system operations and resources:

Tool For More Information

OpenVMS Management Station Section 2.1.1

DIGITAL Command Language (DCL) commands; for example, COPY and MOUNT Section 2.1.2

System messages Section 2.1.3

Command procedures; for example, AUTOGEN.COM and STARTUP.COM Section 2.1.4

System management utilities; for example, the Authorize utility (AUTHORIZE) and the Backup utility (BACKUP) Section 2.1.5

MGRMENU.COM command procedure Section 2.1.6

OPCOM Section 2.4

Tool	For More Information
OpenVMS Management Station	Section 2.1.1
DIGITAL Command Language (DCL) commands; for example, COPY and MOUNT	Section 2.1.2
System messages	Section 2.1.3
Command procedures; for example, AUTOGEN.COM and STARTUP.COM	Section 2.1.4
System management utilities; for example, the Authorize utility (AUTHORIZE) and the Backup utility (BACKUP)	Section 2.1.5
MGRMENU.COM command procedure	Section 2.1.6
OPCOM	Section 2.4

2.1.1 OpenVMS Management Station

The OpenVMS Management Station is a powerful, Microsoft Windows based management tool for system managers and others who perform account management tasks on OpenVMS systems. OpenVMS Management Station software provides a comprehensive user interface to OpenVMS account management across multiple systems. You can manage multiple systems from a single source.

OpenVMS Management Station software coexists with all of the existing OpenVMS system management utilities. Figure 2-1 shows a sample OpenVMS Management Station screen.

Figure 2-1 Sample OpenVMS Management Station Screen

OpenVMS Management Station addresses the problem of having to use multiple utilities to manage accounts. For example, creating an account usually involves the following steps:

Add a UAF entry
Grant rights identifiers
Create a directory
Create disk quotas
Grant network proxies

These steps require that you use DCL, the Authorize utility, and the DISKQUOTA component of the SYSMAN utility. OpenVMS Management Station provides an easy-to-use interface to this process.

The OpenVMS Management Station consists of two components:

The client. This is Microsoft Windows based software that you install on a PC and use to perform management operations.
The server. This software must be installed on all OpenVMS systems to be managed. You do not interact directly with the server, the client does that.

Documentation for the OpenVMS Management Station

The Microsoft Windows help files completely describe features, functions, instructions, and examples of using the OpenVMS Management Station. The OpenVMS Management Station Overview and Release Notes document provides an overview of OpenVMS Management Station and describes how to get started using the software.

Information about installing the OpenVMS Management Station on your Alpha or VAX computer and your PC is located in the following manuals:

OpenVMS Alpha Version 7.2 Upgrade and Installation Manual
OpenVMS VAX Version 7.2 Upgrade and Installation Manual

Contents

Index

privacy and legal statement

6017PRO.HTML

Internet	openvmsdoc@zko.mts.dec.com
Fax	603 884-0120, Attention: OSSG Documentation, ZK03-4/U08
Mail	OSSG Documentation Group, ZKO3-4/U08 110 Spit Brook Rd. Nashua, NH 03062-2698

Ctrl/ x	A sequence such as Ctrl/ x indicates that you must hold down the key labeled Ctrl while you press another key or a pointing device button.
PF1 x	A sequence such as PF1 x indicates that you must first press and release the key labeled PF1 and then press and release another key or a pointing device button.
`[Return]`	In examples, a key name enclosed in a box indicates that you press a key on the keyboard. (In text, a key name is not enclosed in a box.) In the HTML version of this document, this convention appears as brackets, rather than a box.
...	A horizontal ellipsis in examples indicates one of the following possibilities: Additional optional arguments in a statement have been omitted. The preceding item or items can be repeated one or more times. Additional parameters, values, or other information can be entered.
. . .	A vertical ellipsis indicates the omission of items from a code example or command format; the items are omitted because they are not important to the topic being discussed.
( )	In command format descriptions, parentheses indicate that you must enclose the options in parentheses if you choose more than one.
[ ]	In command format descriptions, brackets indicate optional elements. You can choose one, none, or all of the options. (Brackets are not optional, however, in the syntax of a directory name in an OpenVMS file specification or in the syntax of a substring specification in an assignment statement.)
[\|]	In command format descriptions, vertical bars separating items inside brackets indicate that you must choose one, none, or more than one of the options.
{ }	In command format descriptions, braces indicate a required choice of options; you must choose one of the options listed.
text style	This text style represents the introduction of a new term or the name of an argument, an attribute, or a reason. In the HTML version of this Conventions table, this convention appears as italic text.
italic text	Italic text indicates important information, complete titles of manuals, or variables. Variables include information that varies in system output (Internal error number), in command lines (/PRODUCER= name), and in command parameters in text (where dd represents the predefined code for the device type).
UPPERCASE TEXT	Uppercase text indicates a command, the name of a routine, the name of a file, or the abbreviation for a system privilege.
Monospace type	Monospace type indicates code examples and interactive screen displays. In the C programming language, monospace type identifies the following elements: keywords, the names of independently compiled external functions and files, syntax summaries, and references to variables or identifiers introduced in an example.
-	A hyphen at the end of a command format description, command line, or code line indicates that the command or statement continues on the following line.
numbers	All numbers in text are assumed to be decimal unless otherwise noted. Nondecimal radixes---binary, octal, or hexadecimal---are explicitly indicated.