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Support For Mainframe Users

The Commonwealth Service Desk strives to help customers with problems and tries to answer any questions that may be asked. This page contains answers to common mainframe questions handled by our support staff, along with some tips and tricks that we have found useful and presented here as questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What's a node name?
2. Where are the model & serial numbers located?
3. What does the "X with the clock" mean?
4. What can I do if the printer is not printing?
5. What if the screen is blank?
6. What if all equipment in office is locked up?

What's a node name?

A node name is an 8 digit character name given to every terminal, printer, controller, or PC accessing the mainframe. A node acts as an address for each individual device.

Where are the model & serial number located?

Most model and serial numbers can be found right on the front of the device. Another place to look, is on the back of the device. There should be a manufacture's tag which usually has this information.

What does the "X with the clock"mean?

A clock signal indicates a system slow down. Occasionally the system encounters problems that may cause the program you are working on to be timed out. In many cases, after a few minutes, the system will continue but other times the Commonwealth Service Desk will have to reset your node name.

What can I do if the printer is not printing?

Check to see if the ready light or power light is on. Check to see if the printer has paper. Try turning off your printer to reset it. If this is unsuccessful, contact the Commonwealth Service Desk for further assistance.

What if the screen is blank?

If the screen is totally blank, check to see if the device is turned on and plugged in. If the screen is still blank, there could be a hardware problem in which the Commonwealth Service Desk would have to provide further assistance.

What if all equipment in office is locked up?

If the entire office's equipment if locked up, there could be a controller, line or system problem. In this case, contact the Help Desk for further assistance.