Types of start-ups

During an initial program load (IPL), system programs load from the designated load source device in the system auxiliary storage. The system hardware is also checked. The IBM i control panel displays a series of system reference codes that indicate its current status and warn you of any problems. When the IPL is finished, the character-based interface presents the sign-on display, and users are able to sign on with IBM Navigator for i.

There are several options for starting your system. You can:

• Start the system without making configuration changes. This is referred to as an unattended IPL.
• Change your system configuration during an IPL. This is referred to as an attended IPL.

  Attended IPL's display various additional screens depending upon the options that you select on the IPL options display. These can include displays that allow you to change system values and other system attributes during the IPL, reconstruct access paths, verify the status of physical file restrictions, configure and name new devices, and specify options for the operating environment.

• Change the type of IPL from your system control panel.
• Schedule a system shut down and restart.

General problems during an IPL is referred to as an abnormal IPL.

For more information about IPL and system shut down, see information about starting and stopping the system.