Introductory Reference to the IBM AS/400

Introduction to the AS/400

The IBM Application System/400 popularly known as AS/400 is a family of mid-range business
computing systems, that supersedes IBM's highly successful System/3X family. The AS/400 is
available in three different types the 9402, 9404, and the 9406.
Currently, here at Minnesota State University, Mankato, the Computer Services is supporting a dual
processor IBM AS/400 9406 model D80, that contains 192 Megabytes of primary memory and 7.1
Gigabytes of mirrored secondary storage.
The AS/400 systems exclusively use the IBM Operating System/400 (OS/400). It is a multi-user
operating system that works with the Licensed Internal Code (LIC) instructions to implement the
functions that are basic to the AS/400 architecture. OS/400 can perform tasks under direct control of
both the user and an application program.
The AS/400 system differs from the traditional systems in several ways. They offer more compatibility
across the product line since only one operating system and architecture is used consistently across the
entire family. The system offers very high performance compared to the earlier System/3X computers.
This is achieved by a combination of faster processors, extended storage and improved fixed disk
systems. The software architecture is different from that of more traditional systems. Implementing
functions such as security, database and communications in microcode, and providing a one-piece
operating system resulted in improved efficiency, consistency and simplicity.

Now, to take a look into the highlights of the System

AS/400's standard functions plus the many communications options and supporting software provide
users with flexibility for various communications environments. The AS/400 application programming
interface provides some new capabilities not found in earlier operating systems. The basic architecture
of AS/400 systems makes for a very productive program development environment. The built-in
database and single-level storage provide high-level structures and consistency. This along with the
programming tools available for AS/400 can increase programmer productivity. The programmer has
the flexibility to choose one of the following programming languages for their application programs:
• BASIC
• C
• CL command language
• COBOL X3.23-1974 & X3.23-1985
• FORTRAN
• Pascal
• PL/I
• REXX
• RPG II & III
The AS/400 marks a new beginning in the business computing world. This new generation of systems
with advanced technology and advanced applications serve as a growth platform for the customer to
expand in application, size and network complexity.
 Signing On to the AS/400
PC Support/400
• Reboot the PC by pressing <Ctrl><Alt><Delete>at the same time. Press this key combination
twice.
• Select the option that indicates PC Support and/or AS/400.
• Answer "Enter common user ID:" with your username
• Answer "Enter password for common user ID:" with your password.
• If there is a beep or a message press <Enter>to bypass the message.
• At this point you should have the following screen:

Sign On

System . . . . . : MKTAS400
Subsystem . . . . : QINTER
Display . . . . . : PCnnnnS1

User . . . . . . . . . . . . . . __________
Password . . . . . . . . . . . .
Program/procedure. . . . . . . . __________
Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . __________
Current library. . . . . . . . . __________

• Type your username in the "User" blank.

• Press the <Tab>key.
• Type your password. The password will not be displayed.
• Press the <Enter>key.
If for some reason you can not longer type, press the <Reset>key. On the Microterms or PC-VT this
would be the <Esc>key then R. On PC Support/400 this would be the left <Ctrl>key.
If this is the first time you signed on continue with the Changing your password section of this manual.

Changing Your Password

The first time you log on the AS/400 you will be forced to change your password before continuing.
• Press <Enter>to change your password.
• At the "Current Password" field, type `xx' followed by the last six digits of your social security
number (ie. xx999999) NOTE: nothing you type on this screen will be displayed to ensure that
no one views your password as you type it.
• Press <Tab>or <Field Exit>.
• For the "New Password" field, type the password you would like to use when you sign on to the
computer. It must not exceed 10 characters, it must begin with a alphabetic character and the
remaining characters may be any combination of alphabetic, numeric characters. Note: Try not
to make it too difficult, you will need to know it to sign on the AS/400 again.
 • Press <Tab>or <Field Exit>
• At the "New Password (to verify)" field, type in your new password for a second time to make
sure you have entered it correctly. If you have entered it incorrectly you will get an error
message and your initial password will still be `xx' followed by the last four digits of your social
security number.
• Press <Enter>
• Upon completion, the following message will be displayed:
Password changed successfully
• Read the following screens, pressing <Enter>to exit each one, until you reach the AS/400 Main
Menu screen.
Later on when you want to change your password, type CHGPWD on the command line and go
through the same steps.

Signing Off of the AS/400

• Press <F3>until you see a command prompt, ===>.
• At the command prompt type SIGNOFF.

Command Structure
First, let's consider the command name. A command is made made up of two components:
1. a VERB and
2. a SUBJECT. The verb consists of three characters and is the "action" component of the
command. Some common verbs and their meanings are shown below:
• ADD - Add Item
• CHG - Change
• CPY - Copy
• CRT - Create
• DLT - Delete
• DSP - Display item
• END - Stop a program which was started with a STR
• GRT - Grant
• MOV - Move
• RMV - Remove item
• RST - Restore
• RTV - Retrieve
• RVK - Revoke
• SET - Set
• SND - Send
• STR - Start (a program or utility)
• WRK - Work with
The subject component of the command specifies the item that the verb acts on. Some examples of
verb/subject combinations are:
• CRTSRCPF - Create Source Physical File
• WRKOBJPDM - Work with Objects Using PDM
• STRPDM - Start PDM
• ADDLIBLE - Add Library List Entry