DEC 3000 800, Owner'S Manual

Page: 143 / 318

Modes of System Operation
Modes of System Operation
Two Modes of
Operation Your system can run in either of two modes:
1. Console mode
2. Program mode
Console Mode:
Definition
In console mode, the system operates under the control of the
console subsystem, rather than the operating system. All user
input is passed directly to the console.
Console mode is in effect when the system is turned on and the
operating system software has not been started, or has been
interrupted, by pressing the halt button, for example.
Program Mode:
Definition In program mode, the system and console are under control of
the operating system. All user input is passed to the operating
system. You cannot issue console commands without returning
to console mode.
Program mode is in effect when the system is turned on and
the operating system software has started. In program mode,
the user can manage the system, run software applications, and
perform network tasks.
When Console
Mode is Used
By definition, you will interact directly with the console
subsystem under the following circumstances:
• Before booting the operating system software
• While setting environment variables (see Chapter 10 )
• When using the Firmware Update Utility (see the Alpha
AXP Systems Firmware Release Notes for more information)
• When trying to identify and resolve system problems or
errors (see Chapter 13 )
Using Console Commands 9–3