Dell™ OpenManage™ Server Administrator Version 6.0.3
User’s Guide
The following list defines or identifies technical terms, abbreviations, and
acronyms used in your system documents.
authentication
The Server Administrator remote
access controller has two methods of authenticating user access:
RAC authentication and local operating system authentication. RAC authentication
is always enabled. Administrators can set up specific user accounts and
passwords that allow access to the RAC.
Operating
systems also require administrators to define different levels of users and user
accounts; each user level has different privileges. Local operating system
authentication on the RAC is an option for administrators who do not want to
define one set of privileges for users in the operating system and a separate
set of users and accounts for the RAC. If you enable local operating system
authentication for the RAC, you enable any user with Administrator status on the
operating system to log in to the RAC.
baud rate
A measurement of data transmission
speed. For example, modems are designed to transmit data at one or more
specified baud rate(s) through the COM (serial) port of a system.
BMC
Abbreviation for baseboard management
controller, which is a controller that provides the intelligence in the IPMI
structure.
BTU
Abbreviation for British thermal unit.
CA
Abbreviation for certification authority.
capability
Refers to the actions that an object
can perform, or actions that can be taken on a managed object. For example, if a
card is hot-pluggable, it is capable of being replaced while the system power is
on.
CHAP
Acronym for Challenge-Handshake
Authentication Protocol, an authentication scheme used by PPP servers to
validate the identity of the originator of the connection upon connection or any
time later.
CIM
Acronym for Common Information Model, which
is a model for describing management information from the DMTF. CIM is
implementation independent, allowing different management applications to
collect the required data from a variety of sources. CIM includes schemas for
systems, networks, applications and devices, and new schemas will be added. It
provides mapping techniques for interchange of CIM data with MIB data from SNMP
agents.
CMC
Acronym for Chassis Management Controller.
controller
A chip that controls the transfer of
data between the microprocessor and memory or between the microprocessor and a
peripheral device such as a disk drive or the keyboard.
control panel
The part of the system that
contains indicators and controls, such as the power switch, hard drive access
indicator, and power indicator.
cooling unit
Sets of fans or other cooling
devices in a system chassis.
DBPM
Abbreviation for Demand Based Power
Management.
DHCP
Abbreviation for Dynamic Host
Configuration Protocol, a protocol that provides a means to dynamically allocate
IP addresses to computers on a LAN.
DIMM
Acronym for dual in-line memory module. A
small circuit board containing DRAM chips that connects to the system board.
DMTF
Abbreviation for Distributed Management
Task Force, a consortium of companies representing hardware and software
providers that develops and maintains standards for systems management of IT
environments in enterprises and the Internet.
DRAC 4
Acronym for Dell™ Remote Access
Controller 4.
DRAC 5
Acronym for Dell Remote Access
Controller 5.
DRAM
Acronym for dynamic random-access memory.
A system's RAM is usually made up entirely of DRAM chips. Because DRAM chips
cannot store an electrical charge indefinitely, your system continually
refreshes each DRAM chip in the system.
DSM SA Connection Service
Acronym for Dell
Systems Management Server Administration. An application that makes Web pages
available for viewing by Web browsers using the HTTPS protocol. See "Web
server".
ECC
Abbreviation for error checking and
correction.
Embedded Hypervisor
See
Internal USB
EMC
Abbreviation for electromagnetic
compatibility.
EMI
Abbreviation for electromagnetic
interference.
EMM
Abbreviation for expanded memory manager. A
utility that uses extended memory to emulate expanded memory on systems with an
Intel386™ or higher microprocessor.
ERA
Abbreviation for embedded remote access.
ERA/MC
Abbreviation for embedded remote access
modular computer. See modular system.
ERA/O
Abbreviation for embedded remote access
option.
ESM
Abbreviation for embedded systems
management.
Fibre Channel
A data transfer interface
technology that allows for high-speed I/O and networking functionality in a
single connectivity technology. The Fibre Channel Standard supports several
topologies, including Fibre Channel Point-to-Point, Fibre Channel Fabric
(generic switching topology), and Fibre Channel Arbitrated Loop (FC_AL).
firmware
Software (programs or data) that has
been written onto read-only memory (ROM). Firmware can boot and operate a
device. Each controller contains firmware which helps provide the controller's
functionality.
flash bios
A BIOS that is stored in flash
memory rather than in ROM. A flash BIOS chip can be updated in place, whereas a
ROM BIOS must be replaced with a newer chip.
flash memory
A type of EEPROM chip that can be
reprogrammed from a utility on diskette while still installed in a system; most
EEPROM chips can only be rewritten with special programming equipment.
FRU
Abbreviation for field replaceable unit.
heat sink
A metal plate with metal pegs or ribs
that help dissipate heat. Most microprocessors include a heat sink.
hot plug
The ability to remove and replace a
redundant part while the system is still running. Also called a "hot spare."
HPFS
Abbreviation for the High Performance File
System option in the Windows NT operating systems.
HTTP
Abbreviation for Hypertext Transfer
Protocol. HTTP is the client-server TCP/IP protocol used on the World Wide Web
for the exchange of HTML documents.
HTTPS
Abbreviation for HyperText Transmission
Protocol, Secure. HTTPS is a variant of HTTP used by Web browsers for handling
secure transactions. HTTPS is a unique protocol that is simply SSL underneath
HTTP. You need to use "https://" for HTTP URLs with SSL, whereas you continue to
use "http://" for HTTP URLs without SSL.
iDRAC
Acronym for Integrated Dell Remote Access
Controller.
iDRAC6 Express
This is an optional storage
card. Its presence will be reported under the slot page.
iDRAC6 Enterprise
This is an optional card that
contains an SD card for advanced features and a dedicated network communication
to iDRAC.
Instantaneous Headroom
This is the theoretical maximum power drawn by the power supply minus the
instantaneous power drawn.
Internal USB
Internal USB flash drive and
device is an additional storage. Internal USB enhances the virtualization
capabilities.
IP address
Abbreviation for Internet Protocol
address. See TCP/IP.
IPMI
Abbreviation for Intelligent Platform
Management Interface, which is an industry standard for management of
peripherals used in enterprise computers based on Intel architecture. The key
characteristic of IPMI is that inventory, monitoring, logging, and recovery
control functions are available independent of the main processors, BIOS, and
operating system.
IPv6
Internet Protocol version 6.
IRQ
Abbreviation for interrupt request. A
signal that data is about to be sent to or received by a peripheral device
travels by an IRQ line to the microprocessor. Each peripheral connection must be
assigned an IRQ number. For example, the first serial port in your system (COM1)
is assigned to IRQ4 by default. Two devices can share the same IRQ assignment,
but you cannot operate both devices simultaneously.
iSCSI
Acronym for Internet SCSI. An IP based
storage networking standard for linking data storage facilities. By carrying
SCSI commands over IP networks, iSCSI is used to facilitate data transfers over
intranets and to manage storage over long distances.
JSSE
Abbreviation for Java™ Secure Socket
Extension.
Kerberos
A network authentication protocol. It
is designed to provide strong authentication for client/server applications by
using secret-key cryptography.
LDAP
Acronym for lightweight directory access
protocol. A networking protocol for querying and modifying directory services
running over TCP/IP.
LPTn
The device names for the first
through third parallel printer ports on your system are LPT1, LPT2, and LPT3.
LRA
Abbreviation for local response agent.
managed system
A managed system is any system
that is monitored and managed using Server Administrator. Systems running Server
Administrator can be managed locally or remotely through a supported Web
browser. See remote management system.
memory module
A small circuit board containing
DRAM chips that connects to the system board.
MIB
Acronym for management information base.
The MIB is used to send detailed status/commands from or to an SNMP managed
device.
microprocessor
The primary computational chip
inside the system that controls the interpretation and execution of arithmetic
and logic functions. Software written for one microprocessor must usually be
revised to run on another microprocessor. CPU is a synonym for microprocessor.
modular system
A system that can include
multiple server modules. Each server module functions as an individual system.
To function as a system, a server module is inserted into a chassis which
includes power supplies, fans, a system management module, and at least one
network switch module. The power supplies, fans, system management module, and
network switch module are shared resources of the server modules in the chassis.
See server module.
MOF
Acronym for managed object format, which is
an ASCII file that contains the formal definition of a CIM schema.
name
The name of an object or variable is the
exact string that identifies it in an SNMP Management Information Base (MIB)
file or in a CIM Management Object File (MOF).
NIC
Acronym for network interface controller.
NTFS
Abbreviation for the Windows NT File
System option in the Windows NT operating system. NTFS is an advanced file
system designed for use specifically within the Windows NT operating system. It
supports file system recovery, extremely large storage media, and long file
names. It also supports object-oriented applications by treating all files as
objects with user-defined and system-defined attributes. See also FAT and FAT32.
NTLM
Abbreviation for Windows NT LAN Manager.
NTLM is the security protocol for the Windows NT operating system.
NUMA
Non-Uniform Memory Architecture.
OID
Abbreviation for object identifier. An
implementation-specific integer or pointer that uniquely identifies an object.
PAM
Acronym for Pluggable Authentication
Modules. PAM allows system administrators to set an authentication policy
without having to recompile authentication programs.
parameter
A value or option that you specify to
a program. A parameter is sometimes called a switch or an argument.
Peak Headroom
The theoretical maximum power
drawn by a power supply minus the peak power drawn.
PERC
Acronym for PowerEdge Expandable RAID
controller.
peripheral device
An internal or external
device—such as a printer, a disk drive, or a keyboard—connected to a
system.
PKCS #7
Abbreviation for Public Key
Cryptography Standard #7. PKCS #7 is an RSA Data Security, Inc., standard for
encapsulating signed data such as a certificate chain.
PMBus
Power Management Bus
power supply
An electrical system that converts
AC current from the wall outlet into the DC currents required by the system
circuitry. The power supply in a personal computer typically generates multiple
voltages.
ppm
Abbreviation for pages per minute.
PPP
Abbreviation for Point-to-Point Protocol.
provider
A provider is an extension of a CIM
schema that communicates with managed objects and accesses data and event
notifications from a variety of sources. Providers forward this information to
the CIM Object Manager for integration and interpretation.
PS
Abbreviation for power supply.
RAC
Acronym for remote access controller.
RAID
Acronym for redundant array of independent
disks.
RBAC
Abbreviation for role-based access
control.
remote management system
A remote management
system is any system that accesses the Server Administrator home page on a
managed system from a remote location using a supported Web browser. See managed
system.
ROM
Acronym for read-only memory. Your system
contains some programs essential to its operation in ROM code. Unlike RAM, a ROM
chip retains its contents even after you turn off your system. Examples of code
in ROM include the program that initiates your system's boot routine and the
POST.
RPM
Abbreviation for Red Hat� Package Manager.
SAS
Acronym for Secure Authentication Services
or Serial-attached SCSI. When referring to security protocols or authentication,
SAS is Secure Authentication Services. When referring to computer peripheral
devices that employ a serial (one bit at a time) means of digital data transfer
over thin cables, SAS is Serial-attached SCSI.
SCSI
Acronym for small computer system
interface. An I/O bus interface with faster data transmission rates than
standard ports. You can connect up to seven devices (15 for some newer SCSI
types) to one SCSI interface.
SEL
Acronym for system event log.
serial port
An I/O port used most often to
connect a modem to your system. You can usually identify a serial port on your
system by its 9-pin connector.
settings
Settings are conditions of a
manageable object help to determine what happens when a certain value is
detected in a component. For example, a user can set the upper critical
threshold of a temperature probe to 75 degrees Celsius. If the probe reaches
that temperature, the setting results in an alert being sent to the management
system so that user intervention can be taken. Some settings, when reached, can
trigger a system shutdown or other response that can prevent damage to the
system.
server module
A modular system component that
functions as an individual system. To function as a system, a server module is
inserted into a chassis which includes power supplies, fans, a system management
module, and at least one network switch module. The power supplies, fans, system
management module, and network switch module are shared resources of the server
modules in the chassis. See modular system.
SMART
Acronym for Self-Monitoring Analysis and
Reporting Technology. A technology that allows hard drives to report errors and
failures to the system BIOS, which then displays an error message on the screen.
To take advantage of this technology, you must have a SMART-compliant hard drive
and the proper support in the system BIOS.
SMTP
Abbreviation for Simple Mail Transfer
Protocol.
SNMP
Abbreviation for Simple Network Management
Protocol. SNMP, a popular network control and monitoring protocol, is part of
the original TCP/IP protocol suite. SNMP provides the format in which vital
information about different network devices, such as network servers or routers,
can be sent to a management application.
SSL
Abbreviation for secure socket layer.
state
Refers to the condition of an object that
can have more than one condition. For example, an object may be in the "not
ready" state.
status
Refers to the health or functioning of
an object. For example, a temperature probe can have the status normal if the
probe is measuring acceptable temperatures. When the probe begins reading
temperatures that exceed limits set by the user, it reports a critical status.
switch
On a system board, switches control
various circuits or functions in your computer system. These switches are known
as DIP switches; they are normally packaged in groups of two or more switches in
a plastic case. Two common DIP switches are used on system boards: slide
switches and rocker switches. The names of the switches are based on how the
settings (on and off) of the switches are changed.
syntax
The rules that dictate how you must type
a command or instruction so that the system understands it. A variable's syntax
indicates its data type.
system board
As the main circuit board, the
system board usually contains most of your system's integral components, such as
the following:
Microprocessor
RAM
Controllers for standard
peripheral devices, such as the keyboard
Various ROM chips
Frequently used
synonyms for system board are motherboard and logic board.
system memory
System memory is a synonym for
RAM.
System Setup program
A BIOS-based program that
allows you to configure your system's hardware and customize the system's
operation by setting such features as password protection and energy management.
Some options in the System Setup program require that you reboot the system (or
the system may reboot automatically) in order to make a hardware configuration
change. Because the System Setup program is stored in NVRAM, any settings remain
in effect until you change them again.
table
In SNMP MIBs, a table is a two
dimensional array that describes the variables that make up a managed object.
TCP/IP
Abbreviation for Transmission Control
Protocol/Internet Protocol. A system for transferring information over a
computer network containing dissimilar systems, such as systems running Windows
and UNIX.
TFTP
Abbreviation for Trivial File Transfer
Protocol. TFTP is a version of the TCP/IP FTP protocol that has no directory or
password capability.
threshold values
Systems are normally equipped
with various sensors that monitor temperature, voltage, current, and fan speed.
The sensor's threshold values specify the ranges (min and max values) for
determining whether the sensor is operating under normal, noncritical, critical
or fatal conditions. Server Administrator-supported threshold values are:
UpperThresholdFatal
UpperThresholdCritical
UpperThresholdNoncritical
Normal
LowerThresholdNoncritical
LowerThresholdCritical
LowerThresholdFatal
time-out
A specified period of system
inactivity that must occur before an energy conservation feature is activated.
TPM
Acronym for Trusted Platform Module
UART
Acronym for universal asynchronous
receiver transmitter, the electronic circuit that makes up the serial port.
URL
Abbreviation for Uniform Resource Locator
(formerly Universal Resource Locator).
USB
Abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus. A
USB connector provides a single connection point for multiple USB-compliant
devices, such as mice, keyboards, printers, and computer speakers. USB devices
can also be connected and disconnected while the system is running.
utility
A program used to manage system
resources—memory, disk drives, or printers, for example.
utility partition
A bootable partition on the
hard drive that provides utilities and diagnostics for your hardware and
software. When activated, the partition boots and provides an executable
environment for the partition's utilities.
UUID
Abbreviation for Universal Unique
Identification.
variable
A component of a managed object. A
temperature probe, for example, has a variable to describe its capabilities, its
health or status, and certain indexes that you can use to help you in locating
the right temperature probe.
VRM
Abbreviation fro voltage regulator module.
Web server
An application that makes Web pages
available for viewing by Web browsers using the HTTP protocol.
WH
Abbreviation for watt-hour(s).
WMI
Acronym for Windows Management
Instrumentation. WMI provides CIM Object Manager services.
X.509 Certificate
An X.509 certificate binds a
public encryption key to the identity or other attribute of its principal.
Principals can be people, application code (such as a signed applet) or any
other uniquely identified entity (such as a DSM SA Connection Service or Web
server).
Xen
Xen is a virtual machine monitor for x86
systems.
XMM
Abbreviation for extended memory manager, a
utility that allows application programs and operating systems to use extended
memory in accordance with the XMS.
XMS
Abbreviation for eXtended Memory
Specification.
X Window System
The graphical user interface
used on Linux® based distributions.
ZIF
Acronym for zero insertion force. Some
systems use ZIF sockets and connectors to allow devices such as the
microprocessor chip to be installed or removed with no stress applied to the
device.
ZIP
A 3.5-inch removable disk drive from
Iomega. Originally, it provided 100-MB removable cartridges. The drive is
bundled with software that can catalog the disks and lock the files for
security. A 250-MB version of the Zip drive also reads and writes the 100-MB Zip
cartridges.
