The Ibm 3270 Information Display System; Screen Size; Keyboard Types - IBM 3270 Operator's Manual

Understanding the 3270
Several different models of 3270 display stations are offered to
meet the needs of many different organizations and applications.
Operation of all models is very similar, and, once you are an
experienced 3270 operator, you will feel comfortable operating
any model.
Each model has a unique designation, but none of the
designations will be presented here. Instead, only the important
physical differences that you might notice will be mentioned.
There are three basic types of 3270 display stations, but only
two different screen sizes. The large screen holds four times as
many characters as the small one.
3270 display stations like the one on the bottom in Figure 46
have five more indicators than the two other types. There are no
other real differences, and operation of all types is very similar.
Some 3270 users may have unique applications that don't
require a keyboard. However, most of the 3270 display stations
will have keyboards attached, and you'll have to examine that
keyboard to find the other major differences.
Basically, three different keyboards are available to meet the
varying needs of the many different organizations that will be
using 3270 display systems. These are shown in Figure 47. One
of these closely resembles a standard typewriter keyboard,
another is like a keypunch keyboard, and the third resembles the
keyboard used by a computer operator. Anyone of these can be
attached to any display station type. The only differences
between the three keyboards are in the characters supplied and
their arrangement on the keys.
If you are not located near your computer center, you may
never see an Operator Console keyboard. This keyboard is used
by computer operators and has been designed to make their
communication with the computer easier and faster.
You are now ready to learn the operation of your display
station. Turn to "Operating the 3270" (page 5).
The IBM 3270
Information Display System
Screen Size
Keyboard Types
115