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5. Configuring the Thin Client

Unplug the network cable from the NC. Then boot it up.

It will boot after checking its Memory, VGA etc, in a screen IBM Network Station Setup Utility. Basically you can manage everything from this menu system. The main parts will be described here.

5.1 Setting up TCP/IP

Section 5 (F5) : Your network setup should look something like this :

IP Addressed From NVRAM Network Station IP Adress 10.0.0.50 First Boot Host IP Adress 10.0.0.1 Second Boot Host IP Adress 10.0.0.11 Third Boot Host IP Adress 0.0.0.0 Gateway IP Adress 10.0.0.1 Subnet Mask 255.255.255.0 Broadcast IP Adress 10.0.0.255 Ethernet Standard Version 2

Resembles my setup. The NC itselve has 10.0.0.50 While 10.0.0.1 is the NFS Server, 10.0.0.11 is a secondary NFS server, just in case.

5.2 Setting Up the Boot Parameters

Section 6 (F6): Looks like this in my setup.

Boot file kernel TFTP Boot Directory /usr/netstation/ NFS Boot Directory /usr/netstation/ Configuration File /usr/netstation/configs/standard.nsm Configuration Directory /usr/netstation/configs TFTP Order 2 NFS Order 1 MOP Order Disabled Local Order Disabled

Where /usr/netstation is the directory export on 10.0.0.1

5.3 Setting Up the Monitor

Section 7 (F7): You can choos the right resolution / Refresh rate from a nice menu. I have mine running on an old 14" VGA Screen running in 1024x768 @60Hz

Basically thats all you need to install.

Just plug in your Network cable again. And Reboot the NC. After testing the Video / DRAM, the NC will search the Host system and request the startup information, download the Kernel from the NFS and boot up.

It might occur that the NC first gets a new FirmWare and upgrades it

When starting the graphical Console you should get a menu bar and a screen where you can select the X Hosts. You are now in the CLE (Common Login Environment): it's a desktop from where you can start all sessions, either telnet or X . It uses a local window manager which is a small window manager based on Motiv.

Your NC is setup now. Congratulations

5.4 Further Configuration

Further configuration of the NC can e.g. be setting the colors, window sizes, default keymaps etc. I'm not going to describe these in detail. If you have troubles finding your way through the menu system. The IBM Network Station Runtime Environment for RS/6000 User's Guide which can be found in either .pdf or .ps at http://www.as400.ibm.com/networkstation/rs6000/ and will provide you with detailed information.


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