IBM i series Handbook page 497

Operating System/400 (5722-SS1)
general make it possible to perform the majority of system operations tasks, for example
back-up and recovery, with the iSeries servers and the managing staff in physically separate
locations. The connection between the remote and direct-attach Operations Consoles uses
Windows dial-up networking (PPP) with the direct-attach Operations Console using Windows
NT Remote Access Service (RAS) for access.
See "iSeries Operations Console: Direct Attach, LAN, and Remote" on page 699 for details
on Operations Console and cabling requirements.
Software Requisites
The applications are included on the iSeries Client Access for Windows 95/NT CD-ROM
shipped with OS/400 V4R3 or later release. The Operations Console applications are
installed and used on PCs using the Windows NT Workstation 4.0 or Windows 2000 (required
for the direct-attach Operations Console when it serves as a remote console gateway) or
Windows 95/98 operating systems. OS/400 V4R3 or later release is always required for direct
and remote 5250 console attachment. However, the control panel application will function as
a stand-alone application with any IMPI or RISC "black-box" system.
Menu Interface
System-supplied menus to most system functions provide a task- oriented approach so that a
user unfamiliar with control language can set up and use Operating System/400. The menus
use an object-oriented approach by providing list of objects for the user to work with. A fast
path gives quick access to system functions for the more experienced users.
Online Help
The iSeries help facility provides comprehensive explanations of display functions to help
users be more productive. The index search facility can be used to request help for a task
that involves multiple displays. Index search includes many synonyms so that users may ask
for information in their own words or in the terms used by the system. The help information
provided is determined by the current location of the cursor on the display. It may be specific
to a field or line on the screen, or to extended help on the use of the display as a whole.
Programming Temporary Fixes (PTFs)
PTFs (including licensed internal code changes) may be loaded and applied using a
command. PTFs can be shipped to a central site, either on media or electronically, and may
then be packaged and distributed to remote license sites, either on media or electronically.
Starting with V4R3 AS/400 customers can download PTFs over the Internet. The client
hardware needed is a PC with WIN95/NT, a TCP connection to the iSeries over a LAN, and
access to the Internet. The various configurations and setup information are documented at
the following Web site:
http://as400service.ibm.com
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Operating System/400 (5722-SS1)