Author: Rob McNelly

Originally published by TechChannel December 5, 2023 Rob McNelly also highlights information on Power10 performance, AIX administration, VIOS to NIM mapping, and shares his fondness for some old interfaces In November, IBM TechXchange conducted a deep dive on AIX 7.3 TL updates. Featuring AIX product manager Jayen Shah and Carl Burnet, DE for IBM Power, … Continue reading “Digging Into AIX 7.3 TL Updates”

Originally published by TechChannel October 31, 2023 Rob McNelly cites recent AIX enhancements and passes along a plethora of tips In 2020 I wrote about a couple of scripts called ezh and eezh: “EZH is a script for the [HMC] to provide an alternate, easier to use, command line interface for many common commands, and the … Continue reading “A Warning About Running ezh and eezh Scripts in Updated HMC Environments”

Originally published by TechChannel September 7, 2023 IBM Support Insights provides a wealth of critical information to make admins’ jobs easier Like many of you, my organization manages servers, switches, storage devices, etc., in multiple data centers located throughout and even outside of the country. With collections of devices this large, naturally, there are many … Continue reading “IBM Support Insights: Infrastructure Management Simplified”

Originally published by TechChannel August 24, 2023 Rob McNelly urges old dogs to learn new tricks and shares additional thoughts about the recently retired Nigel Griffiths In March, Jaqui Lynch wrote about connecting HMCs to Power10 servers. If you’re in the process of moving to Power10/updating your HMCs, this is a must-read. If you’d like me … Continue reading “The Subtle but Significant Differences Posed by Power10 Hardware and the New HMC”

Originally published by TechChannel August 15, 2023 Rob McNelly on the challenges posed by some technological innovations, notes from IBM Support, and a shout-out to the newly retired Nigel Griffiths I recently went on a wild ride while with family. Thanks to a last-minute cancellation, my sister and niece needed to get from Rochester, New … Continue reading “When the Latest and Greatest Isn’t That Great”

Originally published by TechChannel June 22, 2023 Rob McNelly experiments with the AI tool to see what it knows about IBM Power Systems and AIX I assume none of you live under a rock, so you’ve most likely heard about people’s experiences toying around with ChatGPT and other AI solutions. I decided to get in … Continue reading “Google’s Bard Spins Some Tales About IBM Power Systems and AIX”

Originally published by TechChannel May 17, 2023 Rob McNelly with the latest on invscout, along with tips, resources and an opportunity to give feedback to IBM I’ve mentioned Inventory Scout (invscout) quite a bit over the years. That includes producing this video tutorial and citing this script. So why am I bringing it up yet again? It’s to let you … Continue reading “If You’re Not Using Inventory Scout, You’re Missing Out”

Originally published by TechChannel April 27, 2023 Rob McNelly offers another anecdote about the value of testing changes One advantage of being an IBM Champion is the communication we get from IBM. I’m subscribed to various newsletters that provide useful information. For instance, I was recently notified about a webinar about Ansible. This is from the email: … Continue reading “Ansible Webinar, HMC Tips and Changes to IBM’s Call Home”

Originally published by TechChannel March 23, 2023 Rob McNelly explains how he recently updated an older HMC with the help of IBM Support and gives a reminder about technical debt In January IBM announced its latest class of IBM Champions. As is noted in that blog entry, “This year’s 839 IBM Champions come from 60 countries; … Continue reading “Hanging Out (Virtually) with IBM Champions, Upgrading an Older HMC and More”

Originally published by TechChannel February 16, 2023 Rob McNelly covers how to troubleshoot common NIM issues and AIX tips and tricks I enjoyed this perspective on the Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP) from IBM Champion Andrey Klyachkin: “You know this eternal problem, don’t you? Datacenter guys laid the cable from an AIX server to some port … Continue reading “Networking, Hanging NIM Operations and AIX Quirks”

Originally published by TechChannel January 20, 2023 Rob McNelly shares clients’ stories and details how he solved their technical challenges Recently, I helped mount a filesystem on a Windows system that was being exported from an AIX system. The client wasn’t sure it would work—and there were challenges—but fortunately I found some guidance by googling. … Continue reading “Problem-Solving via the Internet, the Importance of Patching and More”

Originally published by TechChannel December 6, 2022 Rob McNelly on cloud technology, expanded IBM Support options, IBM requiring encryption for fix downloads and AIX history Recently my wife and I traveled cross-country via car. We spent time with family in Virginia and then drove north through Maryland, Pennsylvania and New York state. After celebrating the … Continue reading “Cloud, IBM Support, AIX History and More”

Originally published by TechChannel October 19, 2022 Have you heard of “lights-out data centers?” Rob McNelly explains what they are along with their pitfalls, and explores the latest IBM announcements here. Though I’ve heard about lights-out data centers for years, I truly don’t envision a future where humans will never set foot on the raised … Continue reading “Rob McNelly on ‘Lights-Out Data Center’ Issues, the Latest IBM Announcements and More”

Originally published by TechChannel September 2, 2022 Rob McNelly highlights tips on open firmware macros, recaps Nigel Griffith’s closer look at Power10 Servers, explores AIX security bulletins and more There are several ways to boot LPARs on IBM Power Systems servers. For example, you can boot to your OS of choice—AIX, IBM i, or Linux—or … Continue reading “Open Firmware Macros Tips, and a Closer Look at Power10 Servers”

Originally published by TechChannel August 2, 2022 The availability of the full Power10 server portfolio is another reminder of the noticeable benefits of moving forward with technology Recently, after settling into a new home, I upgraded my cable modem and router. I was fine with the internet service I had, but for the same cost, … Continue reading “Power10 and the Impact of Upgrading”

Originally published by TechChannel July 1, 2022 Rob McNelly looks at an upcoming IBM virtual event, an IBM Support update for AIX Toolbox open-source software and more IBM is hosting a Power10 virtual event on Thursday, July 14, at 11 a.m. EDT. You can register here and you’ll find the event description below: “Businesses are … Continue reading “IBM Virtual Event Highlights the Latest on Power10 and News on AIX Toolbox Open-Source Support”

Originally published by TechChannel April 20, 2022 IBM Champion Rob McNelly on HMC, VIOS, LPAR, AIX 7.2 and 7.3 tips, and more It’s always nice to hear from readers. Even better is when I can confirm that my information is helping techies in the real world. My colleague Eric Hopkins recently put my invscout script … Continue reading “Tips on the HMC, VIOS, LPAR and More”

Originally published by TechChannel March 18, 2022 IBM Champion Rob McNelly on the IBM Power Systems Ideas portal, a FLRT change and his latest outdoor adventure I’ve written about the Request for Enhancement (RFE) process in the past, but recently, Brian Veale notified us of the new IBM Power Systems Ideas portal. This is a site where … Continue reading “A New Home for the RFE Community”

Originally published by TechChannel February 14, 2022 IBM Champion Rob McNelly on AIX migration tips and tricks, new Power10 performance information, IBM’s updated firmware release schedule and more I’m regularly reminded of the benefits of IBM’s My Notifications email service. Yes, we all have too much traffic in our inboxes, but My Notifications is a … Continue reading “IBM Notifications, AIX Migration Tips and More”

Originally published by TechChannel January 21, 2022 IBM Champion Rob McNelly reflects on what he’s learned from readers—from mixed results updating VIOS on POWER7 to a cleaned-up invscout script A customer was planning to patch their VIO servers on a POWER7 machine. You may recall my mention of another customer that had success running recent … Continue reading “Readers Respond: Updating VIOS on POWER7, and a Simplified invscout Script”

Originally published by TechChannel January 4, 2022 IBM Champion Rob McNelly on the Log4j security vulnerability, helpful AIX tips and tools, time drifts on POWER8 and POWER9 servers, and more System security is no laughing matter. Well, occasionally it’s a laughing matter, but I’ll get to that in a moment. On Dec. 15 IBM issued … Continue reading “Apache Log4j Vulnerability, AIX Tips and Tools, a Look at Time Drift, and More”

Edit: I am looking forward to the next half marathon at Lake Powell Originally published by TechChannel November 29, 2021 Dynamic LPAR is now available for SAP HANA databases. Get details on this, along with updated Power10 and AIX 7.3 documentation and more from IBM Champion Rob McNelly. Dynamic LPAR is now available for SAP HANA … Continue reading “Dynamic LPAR on HANA, Support Docs Updated and User Group Session Replays”

Edit: did you install the open beta or did you go straight to the GA release? Originally published by TechChannel October 14, 2021 IBM Champion Rob McNelly on his new TechChannel AIX video series, and the latest news on Power10 and AIX open beta A quick professional note: I’ve launched a video series for TechChannel. I’ve … Continue reading “A New AIX Video Series and the Latest on AIX Open Beta and Power10”

Edit: A nice roundup of links Originally published by TechChannel September 14, 2021 IBM Champion Rob McNelly on Power10 E1080 server highlights, and resources you can use to learn more On Sept. 8, IBM announced the new Power10 server, the E1080 (9080-HEX). While much has already been written about the new server, I’m here to share more details. If … Continue reading “You’ve Heard the News, Now Dig Into the Details: Get up to Speed on the Power10 Announcement”

Edit: I find it so much faster to make these changes from the command line vs the GUI Originally published by TechChannel August 23, 2021 Rob McNelly highlights resources you can use to learn how to create an LPAR without using the HMC GUI, and use the CLI for dynamic LPAR operations Gareth Coates, whose … Continue reading “CLI Options for Configuring and Modifying LPARs”

Edit: I still wonder about keeping a spare water heater on hand Originally published by TechChannel July 30, 2021 Rob McNelly on VIOS admin tips, OpenSSH for AIX, effective support and more Recently my water heater died. Fortunately it’s relatively new and still under warranty, so I didn’t have to dip into my pockets to … Continue reading “Waiting on a Replacement Part, the Latest With OpenSSH, a Bold Client Choice and a VIOS Webinar”

Edit: I still love going to the Grand Canyon Originally published by TechChannel July 15, 2021 Rob McNelly on automation benefits, AIX patch management with Red Hat Ansible and more I made one of the classic blunders during a recent trip to the Grand Canyon. This had nothing to do with a land war, or a Sicilian, … Continue reading “AIX Patch Management With Ansible, and the Broader Benefits of Automation”

Edit: A nice grab bag of topics Originally published by TechChannel June 15, 2021 The Power Implementation Quality Standard for Commercial Workloads document has been updated. Get the details from Rob McNelly here. The Power Implementation Quality Standard for Commercial Workloads document has been updated. Download Version 2.4 (June 2021) here. This presentation details the expected … Continue reading “Power Systems Best Practices Doc Updated, dnf, New IBM Customer Support Portals and More.”

Edit: I still advocate for giving blood and do so roughly every eight weeks Originally published by IT Jungle June 7, 2021 Over the past year we’ve all heard about essential workers. Essential workers are present in our industry as well. Those who manage and maintain our power grids and technology infrastructures have always played … Continue reading “Guru: The Essential Workers Of IT, And Lessons Learned From Trying Times”

Edit: I should still be better prepared for my rides in the desert Originally published by TechChannel May 18, 2021 Rob McNelly on why adequate system maintenance can help you prepare (and avoid) system problems As I found myself walking through the desert, pushing a bicycle with a flat tire, I wondered how I got … Continue reading “Attention to Patching and Other Vital System Maintenance Will Help You Avoid the Heat”

Edit: This was published as an ebook by TechChannel Rob McNelly explains what questions you and your team should beasking to make sure data is locked down I will also archive it here in case the original link stops working in the future. You’ve seen the headlines about malware attacks and cyberhacks. Whether it’s a … Continue reading “Key AIX Security Considerations”

Edit: Are you current? Originally published by TechChannel April 22, 2021 Rob McNelly on why AIX has stood the test of time, the new POWER9-based HMC and how IBM certifications have evolved I believe AIX has stood the test of time. This opinion is based in part on the fact that legacy AIX documentation is … Continue reading “AIX/VIOS Versioning Recommendations, a POWER9-Based HMC and the Evolution of IBM Certifications”

Edit: Still one of my favorite trails, I returned in December and made it to Plateau Point. Originally published by IT Jungle April 26, 2021 In my last piece, we got Yum and Bash running on IBM i. Now let’s build on that foundation to find an open campsite. I’m serious. Recently I used an IBM … Continue reading “Guru: A Simple Script That Capitalizes on IBM i’s Open Source Capabilities”

Edit: Have you started your upgrades yet? Originally published by TechChannel March 10, 2021 Rob McNelly on AIX and Power hardware improvements, and where the AIX roadmap might lead beyond 2023 AIX turns 35 this year. While it’s fun to look back (here’s the IBM announcement letter from 1986), there’s also ample reason to look ahead, … Continue reading “AIX at 35 and the Layered Significance of AIX 7.3”

Edit: It might be time to start looking at dnf Originally published by IT Jungle March 15, 2021 In the March 1 edition of The Four Hundred, I noted that an emphasis on things like system/application modernization and open source solutions gives IBM i newcomers a degree of comfort with the platform. I also made the point … Continue reading “Guru: Getting Yum And Bash Up And Running”

Edit: Have you upgraded yet? Originally published by TechChannel March 19, 2021 New POWER9 servers running new firmware won’t work with your old HMC. Rob McNelly explains why, and provides some upgrade options. Lifetime IBM Champion Jaqui Lynch recently wrote about why you need to upgrade to the latest HMC levels and how you can accomplish this … Continue reading “Standing Pat Is No Longer an Option With the HMC”

Edit: This article is an example of how pictures are worth thousands of words Originally published by IT Jungle March 1, 2021 I enjoy reading about IBM i Fresh Faces. Sure, it’s refreshing to see that it’s not just graybeards like me who are working on the platform, but what really matters is that young people … Continue reading “Guru: For IBM i Newcomers, An Access Client Solutions Primer”

Edit: I really like articles that cover more than one topic Originally published by TechChannel February 17, 2021 Rob McNelly explains why older AIX versions run slower, and why it’s time to move on from AIX 7.1 Upon checking the error log, a client noticed errors that were pointing to a fiber port on their … Continue reading “Client Story, VIOS Tips, HMC News and Why You Should Move on From AIX 7.1”

Edit: these are still good skills to have Originally published by TechChannel February 1, 2021 We may bash one another with our opinions, but every AIX admin needs to know vi and ksh People are pretty passionate about the tech that they use. That’s hardly a news flash. It can be argued that none of us … Continue reading “Why AIX Admins Should Know vi and ksh”

Edit: My third post for IT Jungle Originally posted February 1, 2021 School’s been out for me for a very long time, but I still enjoy learning. I gain a sense of satisfaction whenever I learn something new. Specific to technology, exposure to new concepts helps me understand how things work together. I cannot count the … Continue reading “Sometimes Folks Only Learn The Hard Way About Keeping Software Current”

Edit: My second post for IT Jungle Originally posted December 14, 2020 Those of a certain age will certainly remember the moment in Fast Times At Ridgemont High when Jeff Spicoli got himself into a bind after he wrecked his friend’s car. Luckily, Spicoli’s dad was a TV repairman, and he had an ultimate set of tools. Spicoli knew … Continue reading “The Ultimate Set Of Tools”

Edit: My first post for IT Jungle Originally posted November 30, 2020 There are philosophical differences that exist between people regarding the best ways to configure, manage, and maintain infrastructure, and this holds as true for infrastructure built around IBM i as it is for other kinds of platforms. The easiest and fastest thing to … Continue reading “You Can’t Just Keep Doing What You Have Always Done”

Edit: The first post for TechChannel in 2021. Originally posted January 8, 2021 Moving forward, Rob McNelly will be writing regularly on AIX, IBM Power Systems hardware and related topics for TechChannel “Hey, I heard you missed us, we’re back” – Van Halen, 1984 It’s a new year, and many changes are on the horizon. My AIXchange … Continue reading “Some Ideas for Expanding the Power Systems/AIX Universe”