Dedicated service tools (DST) and system service tools (SST) are both used to access service tools and service functions. DST is available when the Licensed Internal Code has been started, even if i5/OS™ has not been loaded. SST is available from the operating system.
Service tools are used to perform the following actions:
Note: This list is not all inclusive but gives you an overview of
the functions provided by service tools.
- Diagnose server problems
- Add hardware resources to the server
- Manage disk units
- Manage logical partition (LPAR) activities, including memory
- Review the Licensed Internal Code and product activity logs
- Trace Licensed Internal Code
- Perform main storage dumps
- Manage system security
- Manage other service tools user IDs
Take over console: A service tools user privilege that
allows an Operations Console to take control from another console device.
The following table outlines the basic differences in access methods between DST and SST.
| Characteristic | DST | SST |
|---|---|---|
| How to access | Physical access through console during a manual IPL or by selecting option 21 on the control panel. | Access through interactive job with the ability to sign on with QSECOFR
or the following authorizations:
|
| When available | Available even when the server has limited capabilities. i5/OS is not required to access DST. | Available when the operating system has been started. i5/OS is required to access SST. |
| How to authenticate | Requires service tools user ID and password. | Requires service tools user ID and password. |