Guide to IBM Fix terminology
Authorized Program Analysis Report (APAR)
Problem report specific to an IBM program and release, that has an associated fix. APARs can be viewed in the APAR database.
Cumulative PTF packages
Cumulative PTF packages are the primary method of performing preventive maintenance for specific releases of the i5/OS and OS/400 operating systems and IBM licensed programs. This type of fix package contains fixes generally recommended by IBM and is updated on a periodic basis.
Cumulative PTF packages are labeled according to the year, Julian date, and operating system software version. For example, Cumulative PTF package C1092450 can be broken down as follows.
1 Year (2001) 092 Julian Date without the year 450 OS/400 version V4R5
Customized Cumulative PTF package
A Customized Cumulative PTF package is an ordering option within Fix Central. This option uses your system inventory to customize the Cumulative PTF package. Previously installed PTFs are removed from the download saving you time.
The Customized function has been enhanced to also include customizing PTF Groups and entire orders using inventory from your Management Central system. To take advantage of these new features, use the Customized PTF package option instead of the Customized Cumulative PTF package option.
Firmware fixes
The following types of firmware (Licensed Internal Code) fixes are available.
- Server firmware is the code that enables hardware, such as the service processor.
- Power subsystem firmware is the code that enables the power subsystem hardware in the 57x and 59x model servers.
- I/O adapter and device firmware is the code that enables hardware such as Ethernet PCI adapters or disk drives.
See Firmware (Licensed Internal Code) fixes for more information on working with firmware fixes.
For information on ordering firmware fixes, see Recommended fixes.
Fix cover letter
Fix cover letters provide information about the fixes that they accompany. They explain the contents of a fix, what problem the fix resolves, what special instructions are associated with the fix, and what prerequisites or corequisites must also be installed on your system for the fix to function properly.
Fixes
Fixes are changes to your software, Licensed Internal Code, or machine code that fix known problems, add new function, and keep your server or Hardware Management Console operating efficiently. Fixes can consist of documentation updates, code updates, or both.
Software fixes are also commonly called Program Temporary Fixes (PTFs).
Group PTF
A Group PTF, also known as a PTF Group, is a single PTF that contains multiple PTFs for a specific function, such as database, Java, or HIPER fixes. When new fixes become available for a function, Group PTFs are dynamically updated.
To browse current Group fixes, see the Preventive Service Planning - PSP database and select...
All Group PTFs by Release
HMC fixes
Hardware Management Console (HMC) fixes are updates or changes to the machine code of the HMC.
The HMC is a dedicated workstation that runs integrated system management software. The HMC manages hardware tasks and configures logical partitions on managed IBM POWER5. (IBM System i5 family of servers) systems. It also acts as a focal point for hardware detection and reporting.
The HMC interface can be used to install and manage your HMC machine code and server firmware fixes. IBM recommends that you install HMC machine code fixes before installing server firmware fixes so the HMC is current and can handle fixes or new function updates that you apply to the server. For eServer i5 systems, install HMC fixes before installing server or power subsystem firmware fixes.
HIPER fixes
High impact or pervasive (HIPER) fixes are single PTFs that resolve a problem that may have a high impact on the operations of your server, or a low-impact pervasive problem that affects most iSeries servers.
Licensed programs
Licensed programs (LPs) are IBM licensed programs such as IBM HTTP Server and WebSphere Application Server.
Marker PTF
A marker PTF is a way to identify what level of Group PTF package is applied to your system. Because the set of PTFs for the same SF99xxx Group PTF number may potentially be different each time you order the PTF, a marker PTF is included with the Group PTF.
For additional information on how to use marker PTFs, see the FAQ answer for How do I determine which Group PTF or PTF Group package is installed?.
Note: Beginning with V5R2, marker PTFs are replaced with the new, integrated PTF Group support. We can use commands such as WRKPTFGRP to more easily determine what packages are installed and what level each package is.
PTF
Program temporary fixes (PTFs) are also referred to as fixes. A PTF is temporary only in the sense that it disappears with the next release of the product, when the code patch is integrated into the base product code.
PTFs can be downloaded through IBM's Fix Central and applied to the server, or can be managed through the HMC.
PTF Group
A PTF Group, also known as a Group PTF, is a single PTF that contains multiple PTFs for a specific function, such as database, Java, or HIPER fixes. When new fixes become available for a function, PTF Groups are dynamically updated.
To browse current PTF Groups, see the Preventive Service Planning - PSP database and select...
All Group PTFs by Release
Recommended fixes
Recommended fixes are the set of fixes which the Rochester IBM Support Center recommends you apply to your server, in addition to the Cumulative PTF package, the HIPER Group PTF, and the Database Group PTF.
Separate recommendations are provided for each supported release for specific products or functions. For example, for i5/OS V5R3, the following products and functions have specific recommendations.
- iSeries Access
- iSeries NetServer
- Domino
- Electronic Service Agent
- HMC code updates
- Logical Partitions (LPAR)
- TCP/IP
Server firmware fixes
Fixes for server firmware are updates or changes to the licensed internal code on your IBM System i5 family server.
Server firmware is the licensed internal code that enables hardware, such as the service processor. If the HMC is used to manage your server, we can use the HMC interface to manage server firmware fixes. If your server is not managed by an HMC (update policy set to i5/OS), server firmware fixes can be ordered using Fix Central.
For more information and instructions on working with server firmware fixes, see the Concepts section under Firmware (Licensed Internal Code) fixes.
For ordering information, see Recommended fixes.
Service pack
A service pack is a collection of code fixes (not PTFs) for a specific product.
For more information on service pack types and how to download and work with service packs, see the following information.
Superseded fix
A superseded fix is a PTF that has been included in a newer PTF along with additional fixes or updates.
If a PTF was temporarily applied on your server and you install a superseding PTF, the original PTF is automatically permanently applied to the server, and the new PTF is used.
See also