Chapter 2
Getting Started
This chapter describes how to start, run and stop the Nobix ElectroPage software for the e3000.
Introduction
ElectroPage is designed to allow quick installation of the software from tape and immediate use of it. After installation, the JobPak job can be streamed and ElectroPage begins processing.
To install the software, refer to the JobPak Installation and Update Guide.
Startup
Nobix supplies a job control file named JOBPAK.JPAK.NSD
that starts ElectroPage. If you have also licensed JobQue or JobRescue, this file also starts these programs.
To start ElectroPage (as well as JobPak), enter the MPE command:
:STREAM JOBPAK.JPAK.NSD
When ElectroPage begins execution, it displays a logon banner on the system console.
ElectroPage proceeds to examine all READY state reports that have been configured in the
CONFIGX program.
Running ElectroPage
ElectroPage runs in the background under the JobPak batch job. If ElectroPage is inadvertently terminated, just stream the job again. ElectroPage should pick up where it left off without loss of data.
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Chapter 2 Getting Started
Spoolfile priorities
Reports are automatically enabled to be deferred when a user signs on. ElectroPage uses procedure exits to allow the MPE/iX operating system to notify it when a non-$STDLIST spoolfile goes from a CREATE state to a READY state. When this occurs, the report's priority is set to zero, and a message is sent to the ElectroPage process running in the JobPak job, indicating that the report has become ready and what the original priority is. Using this method, it is not necessary to ensure that reports are at, or below, the outfence for their destination device (which would have kept them from printing before ElectroPage could capture them). For more information, refer to
Chapter 6, “Deferring Reports.”
Error handling
ElectroPage is not initially configured to look for error messages in reports. The error messages originally supplied in the Configuration file are meant to be used with JobRescue; however, both global and report-specific messages can be added to the Configuration file.
ElectroPage will search any or all reports for these messages. For details, refer to the “Global error string text” section in
Chapter 3, “The CONFIGX Program.”
When ElectroPage finds an error message or other job exception within a report, it notifies the operator and other users by sending a series of messages to the console and to other user’s sessions.
There are many things ElectroPage can be directed to do when it finds an error; this can include execution of a predefined set of MPE commands specific to a report. For example,
ElectroPage can be directed to run the AutoDial program to notify system operators of an error, by calling their pager. ElectroPage can do all this automatically. To configure AutoDial, refer to
Appendix A, “The AutoDial Program.”
JobPak logs all its console messages to a message history file. If JobRescue is also used, this file can be accessed with the MESSAGES command in the STATUS program, as described in the JobRescue Administrator’s Reference Guide. The message history file is a circular type of file and stores a preset number of messages. The STATUS program allows searching of the messages forward or backward.
The CONFIGIX program
The CONFIGIX program maintains all of ElectroPage’s configurable options. JobQue and
JobRescue also use this file.
To access the configuration program and menus, sign on as the NSD account manager:
HELLO MGR.NSD
At the MPE prompt, type:
CONFIGIX.JPAK
CONFIGIX uses a forms-based menu interface to issue commands. Most of the commands are self-explanatory and easy to understand.
The types of configurable entries available include:
• Access
• Retention
• User exits
• Message checking
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Chapter 2 Getting Started
• Error handling
• Indexing
For detailed descriptions of configuration commands, refer to Chapter 3, “The CONFIGX
Program.”
Note:
Only one user at a time can make changes within the CONFIGIX program. Other users remain in a read-only status.
The STATUS program
All viewing and searching of saved spoolfiles, $STDLISTs and reports is done using the
STATUS program.
To access the STATUS program, at the MPE prompt, type:
STATUS.JPAK.NSD
All $STDLIST activity and ElectroPage information is available online via this program. For details, refer to
Chapter 4, “The STATUS Program.”
Passwords and security
Most environments require the NSD account to be password protected or have some other adequate security protection. To provide this protection, modify the job control file
JOBPAK.JPAK.NSD
.
Caution:
Do NOT alter the access parameters of the NSD account or the JPAK or PUB groups.
Stopping ElectroPage
To stop ElectroPage (as well as JobPak), enter the MPE command:
:JPAKCOM.JPAK.NSD STOP
Note:
Only users who have OP or SM (administrator) capabilities can use this command.
ElectroPage will log off shortly afterward, as soon as all processing has been completed.
Note:
If either JobRescue or JobQue are licensed for use, they will also log off.
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