Setting up your operational interface

i5/OS uses two operational interfaces:

iSeries Navigator

iSeries Navigator is a Windows-based, fully graphical interface to i5/OS operations. It is an easy way to perform i5/OS operational tasks in a well-designed GUI. iSeries Navigator has been designed from the ground up to be logical, consistent, and easy to use. Wizards are used extensively to make configuration easier. When using iSeries Navigator you do not need to remember commands, and you see much more information in the window than on a text-based display.

Most i5/OS operational tasks can be performed through iSeries Navigator, although there are some exceptions such as the command that powers down the iSeries. iSeries Navigator is the best choice if you are new to iSeries.

i5/OS command line

The i5/OS command line is the traditional text-based interface where you can run Command Language (CL) commands directly. It is similar in function to the command-line interface in Unix, Linux^®, and Windows^®. CL is the scripting language used on iSeries, and you can group CL commands together to create a CL program.

The command-line interface is available through a 5250 or green screen session, where the term 5250 refers to the text-oriented datastream used, and green screen refers to the default color of the characters in the text-based session. The iSeries Access program product provides 5250 sessions in Windows and in supported browsers. It is also possible to access a 5250 session on iSeries using telnet.

The command-line interface can be preferred by experienced iSeries users who know the CL commands, because it is faster and more powerful than the graphical interface. It is, however, more difficult to use for an inexperienced iSeries user.

Use the iSeries Navigator graphical interface to operate your integrated Linux servers, except where noted. For managing integrated Linux servers you will find it much easier to learn and navigate your way around compared with the command line.