Devices files are located in /dev but these are just the Block and Character special files. The configuration information for most devices is stored in the ODM. Filesystem and printer configurations are not managed by the ODM, /etc/filesystems is where fiilesystem data is kept and /etc/qconfig is the location of printer configuration.

When a system boots, a small subset of the ODM is loaded into RAM. This subset contains the necessary Predefined Device Information to be able to detect and configure basic I/O devices. After these devices are configured, the system will then use the Customized Device Information to configure the rest of the devices that are connected to the system and powered on.

If a device is configured and available on a system, and was not powered on or removed prior to the reboot, the device will be Defined but unavailable after the reboot. To correct this condition, power on device or reconnect it to the system and run "cfgmgr". Cfgmgr (configuration manager) will look for any devices connected to the system and configure them dynamically. This utility can be run during system operation with out problem or concern.

To configure most devices, run "smit devices" and select the type of device you want to configure. Remember, after you work your way down the smit menu tree, and find what you want, select F8, to view the fast path you could have run from the command line.

NOTE: If you are adding disk drives you would want to run "smit pv" (physical volume).

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