AS/400 Operations Navigator
IBM demo can be found at
It is now possible for a user to execute AS/400 commands without having to learn Command Language syntax. Also, for those users who are aware of CL but feel more productive by pointing and clicking with a graphical interface, there is a viable alternative. The answer for both these types of users is to utilize one of the installable components of Client Access Express. This product is called Operations Navigator.
It supports basic operations like working with AS/400 messages, jobs, printer output or managing printers. It also supports advanced tasks like working with the database; security configurations; managing users and groups; managing the network; scheduling backups; and displaying the hardware or software on the system.
It is encouraging to see that IBM now provides support for third parties to include useful functions with this product. They have left room for additional components by including C++, Java or Visual Basic plugins.
In this lab we will look at handling messages, and printing.
- Follow your instructor’s directions on how to sign on with Operations Navigator. There are several routes available to the screens shown below. You can get there using the Start button at the bottom of your screen, or by clicking on an Operations Navigator icon.
Once you are signed on,try toggling between the two screens featured below using your mouse on the plus or minus sign beside ODIN in the box on the left.
When you toggle, the right hand box should only show ODIN and ZEUS.
Check to see what version of Operations Navigator is installed on your PC
Click on Help and select About Operations Navigator
If you are on an earlier release than the one showing above, notify your instructor.
If you are on a later release, some of the screens and functions shown in this lab may have changed slightly.
- You should be able to display your own messages, or the system operator messages.
Double click on Basic Operations and display your messages. The student account below, does not have any messages. If you look at the right box, you will see the line
Odin Messages Messages for DC234I43.
It is possible to look at the system operator messages. Just click on Options at the top and select INCLUDE. A box should appear showing you are displaying messages for the current user. To change this, click on the three dots –
Messages for Current user …
And change this to system operator.
Here are the system operator messages:
More detail on the top message is available by clicking on it
The time sent information is included in the box displaying the message. What is a method to display the time sent information without double clicking on the message?
How can you find out the name of the programs that sent the messages?
What is the total number of columns that can be displayed?
Notice that the right hand corner shows a message that the information is 28 minutes old.
How can you access the messages that were sent since that time?
Let us try sending a message to our teacher.
In order to send a message:
Right click on Messages (found under Basic Operations)
Select Send message
Replace the name INSTRUCTOR with your teacher’s name.
If you want to make yourself unpopular with your instructor, add a second line
“IS THIS GOING TO BE ON THE TEST?”
and click on the box: Request a Reply
Printing:
To view your spooled files click on Printer Output.
To view a specific spooled file, double click on that file.
There are no Windows printers in the lab, so do this next step home.
Click on File and Print.