bells,   whistles,   and   lights   necessary   so   that   I   can communicate with the CPU and its peripheral devices? They  really  aren’t. At one time, systems like the IBM 360 series were characterized   by   dials,   switches,   and   lights   that flickered on and off. And although most of the switches and  lights  were  primarily  used  by  the  maintenance technician   or   customer   engineer,   an   experienced computer operator could tell you the status of the system just  by  watching  the  movement  of  the  lights.  These operators were able to detect when a program was in a loop,  when  a  peripheral  device  became  disabled,  or when the CPU went into await state. The operator used some switches to manipulate the logic of the program or to enter data into the system; other switches and dials to display the contents of registers or data stored within main  memory;  and  still  other  switches  to  perform special functions, such as single-cycling the computer through the instructions of a program. Today,   the   communications   mode   between   the operator and the CPU differs considerably from those earlier   systems. We   know   the   computer   can communicate  far  more  effectively  with  the  operator (that’s YOU) through a CRT and console printer than it does through lights or display panels. Now, you are able to  communicate  with  the  computer  by  entering  the necessary   responses   through   the   keyboard   of   the console. CONSOLE  OPERATIONS Depending on the size of the computer system you are  assigned  to,  there  may  be  one  or  more  system consoles  used  to  monitor  the  system.  The  consoles include a CRT and a keyboard, and may have a console printer.   As   a   console   operator,   you   are   ultimately responsible for controlling the entire system. You are responsible  for  initial  program  loading  (IPLing)  or booting  the  system;  starting  jobs;  monitoring  jobs; responding to messages; and, most importantly, making decisions and taking care of any problems that may arise with  regard  to  hardware  and  software.  You  are  also responsible  for  directing  the  activities  of  peripheral equipment  operators  to  ensure  accurate  response  to job/run   stream   requirements.   You   are   constantly monitoring  system  operations  to  determine  whether programs appear to be operating correctly. You must be familiar with and know how to use the various types of control  languages  and  statements  that  are  used  with computers. Each  system  has  a  language  designed  to  interact with  the  user’s  application  program  and  the  computer’s operating  system.  These  languages  consist  of  control statements  that  are  placed  directly  before  the  user’s program to direct the operating system in its functions. The format of the control language statements differs greatly from one system to another. You will learn the specific control language used on your computer on the job. In addition to console-related functions, you must maintain  records  required  to  supplement  the  console log, including problem documentation and actions that were   taken,   computer   utilization   logs,   file identification,  and  so  on. Console Keyboard The standard keyboard has the same alphabetic key arrangement  as  a  typewriter  with  a  10-key  numeric keypad to the right, with special function keys located on both sides of the alphabetic keyboard. The special function   keys   differ,   depending   upon   the   console keyboard.  The  function  keys  are  usually  a  different color  from  the  alphabetic  and  numeric  keys.  By providing   you   with   special   function   keys,   the manufacturer has made it easier and faster for you to perform   routine   functions.   Depending   upon   the software being used, some console keyboards use the top row of keys (0-9) as command function keys. The command  keys  cause  such  functions  as  automatic  skip, enter, update, move, copy, end of job (EOJ), delete. The operator’s   guide   usually   provides   documentation regarding each of the function keys. For the most part, console   keyboard   operations   are   relatively   easy. Prompts are often displayed to help you in responding to messages, initiating jobs, and entering commands and data. Configuration Changes Computer  system  configuration  changes  take  the form  of  both  hardware  and  software  changes.  The addition of new hardware and software upgrades will affect how you do your job. HARDWARE.—   Changes  to  system  hardware include the addition of new, the loss of existing, and the modification  of  existing  peripheral  equipment.  You,  as the computer operator, may be involved with helping to move   the   equipment,   running   cables,   or   removing cables,   but   the   majority   of   the   work   is   usually performed by maintenance technicians. SOFTWARE.—  Changes to the software include changing   memory,   buffer   sizes,   and   hardware 2-3