mvBase is a very flexible and powerful MultiValue Database system which operates within the Microsoft Windows network environment. mvBase addresses the many diverse requirements of users, system administrators and software developers by allowing the simultaneous use of both the MultiValue environment and the Windows operating system.
As system users become more sophisticated and network implementations become increasingly customized and flexible, it is difficult to delineate universal differences in the daily tasks of system users and administrators. Tasks traditionally performed by system administrators may now be performed by users. For example, users must often know basic system startup and shutdown procedures, and often benefit when they assume responsibility for basic peripheral device configuration. This is particularly the case with users of systems remote from the main Server location. In similar fashion, the role of system administrators has expanded to encompass not only the MultiValue environment and its associated processes, but the powerful and sophisticated networking features of Windows.
For this reason, the mvBase Operation and Administration Guide encompasses topics which are of interest both to users and to administrators. You must determine which topics in this guide are most relevant with respect to your daily tasks and realm of influence. This will likely entail team-based coordination with other users and/or system administrators.
The sections in this guide are primarily task-oriented and focus on the Windows side of mvBase. Several sections are intended for users as well as for system administrators. Collectively, these sections provide information and guidelines in each area of concern to users and system administrators. You should remember, however, that guidelines are only that. The exact role of the system administrator is best determined by each installation according to its own needs and available personnel.
This guide contains the following sections:
Describes the conventions used throughout mvBase documentation for indicating command line syntax. |
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This section provides an overview of mvBase architecture, including the Server, Workstation and standard mvBase clients. |
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This section describes the configuration and use of the mvBase Server, including procedures performed in the Administration Utility and at TCL. |
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This section describes the typical daily tasks of the system administrator, including communicating with users, monitoring system activity, file maintenance, optimizing disk drives containing virtual memory storage files, and using the Windows Application Event Log. |
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This section provides an overview and details pertaining to update and transaction logging on mvBase. |
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This section provides security strategies available to mvBase both from within Windows and the MultiValue environment. |
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This section provides an overview of mvBase clients that are managed by the mvBase Workstation, and procedures for starting and stopping the mvBase Workstation. |
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This section provides detailed instructions on configuring and using the mvTerm Client. |
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This section discusses issues relating to configuring terminals connected to the system. It also includes some hints on how to solve problems that may occur with terminals. |
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This section provides detailed instructions on configuring COM ports for use with mvBase. COM port devices include serial printers and terminal devices. |
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This section provides detailed instructions for configuring and using all types of mvBase printers. |
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This section provides detailed instructions for configuring and using mvBase tape units, which are comprised of both physical and virtual tape devices. |
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This section provides detailed instructions for configuring mvTelnet Servers, which connect Telnet clients to the mvBase Server. |
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Defines common mvBase terminology. |
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Lists and describes mvBase system messages. |
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Discusses recovery from errors that occur more generally, principally in the areas of handling backup media, backup and restoration processes, and system errors such as GFEs, etc. |
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Describes the use of the command shell. |
Make a special effort to become familiar with the documentation of those commands that will be most useful to you as a system administrator. In particular you should familiarize yourself with the list of SYSPROG commands, found in the Guide to mvBase Files and Accounts.
The system administrator should also be very familiar with the entire Windows operating system. This is particularly the case with Windows, which has extensive domain, device and file sharing, user right and account privilege parameters to define and coordinate. The system administrator must also be thoroughly familiar with MultiValue database processes and architecture.
System Administration Overview
General Guidelines
The general function of the system administrator is to be responsible for the mvBase system, the Windows operating system on which it resides, and smooth network operations. The common tasks required of a typical system administrator include:
Starting up and shutting down the system.
Determining and implementing system security where it is required, without inhibiting the access of authorized users.
Monitoring hard disk drive usage.
Reallocating files for optimum performance.
Backing up and restoring files.
Setting up system printers, terminals and tape backup media.
Working with service personnel when there are problems.
Record keeping.
In addition, the system administrator may need to act as a resource for new users, providing them with help on how to make best use of the system and how to solve problems. In short, the system administrator combines the functions of the operator and the system wizard. This is not an easy task, as it requires thorough knowledge of the traditional MultiValue environment as well as the sophisticated networking operations of Windows, particularly Windows.