i5/OS concepts

 

IBM® i5/OS® is the operating system for the System i™ platform. It manages hardware and software resources, and provides an interface that you can use to work with the system. To best use the operating system, you need to be familiar with some system concepts.

 

Basic work management

Jobs All work done by the i5/OS operating system is divided into units called jobs. Learn about the types of jobs, and how to find, monitor, and work with them on the system.
Subsystems, queues, and memory pools Control work on the system by working with the resources used to process jobs.
Objects Everything on the system that can be worked with is considered an object. Objects provide a common interface for working with system components. Learn about the different kinds of objects and how to work with them.

System maintenance

Logs and journals Record keeping is an important way for the system to protect data and track system problems. Learn what logs and journals are for and how to use them.
Software fixes Recent versions of i5/OS software add functions and solve known problems. Learn how to install and manage software and software updates.

Additional reference information can be found in the IBM glossary.

  • Messages
    Messages are communications sent from another user, from the operating system, or from an application.

  • i5/OS commands
    The i5/OS operating system uses control language (CL) commands to interpret instructions from users. You need to know the basic rules for using CL, and how to get detailed help for any CL command.

  • Security and user authority
    The operating system determines which resources users might access based on information in their user profiles and the security strategy implemented for this system.

  • Files and file systems
    Files and file systems present information about database file management, spooled files, tape files, and the integrated file system capabilities of the IBM System i platform.

  • i5/OS restricted state
    At times, it is necessary to place the operating system in restricted state. This is a concept unique to the i5/OS operating system and must only be performed when necessary.

  • Jobs
    All work done by the i5/OS operating system is divided into units called jobs. Jobs are how the operating system organizes, tracks, and processes work.

  • Subsystems, job queues, and memory pools
    You can control work on the system by working with the resources used to process jobs. Subsystems, job queues, and memory pools are the basic parts of work management. You can work with subsystems and job queues to manage specific jobs or to adjust the system's work flow.

  • Objects
    Everything on the system that can be worked with is considered an object. Objects provide a common interface for working with system components. This topic discusses the different kinds of objects and how to work with them.

  • Logs and journals
    Protecting the data and system resources is a critical part of the operating system. One important way that the i5/OS operating system accomplishes that goal is to keep detailed records of any changes to system resources. These records, called logs or journals, can help solve system problems or recover damaged data.

  • Software fixes
    You can use fixes to install and manage software and software updates.

 

Parent topic:

Basic system operations
Related reference
iSeries glossary