1.2 The First Steps with OpenVMS

Users can access the OpenVMS operating system from a wide variety of devices, ranging from desktop devices to character-based terminals. If you are accessing OpenVMS with a windowing device such as a personal computer (using UNIX, MS Windows, OS/2, or Macintosh), it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the keyboard functions associated with the terminal emulation software in use before proceeding. In this book we focus on two principal character-based terminal types: the VT100 and VT200. Before you begin, take a minute to familiarize yourself with your keyboard. Figure 1.2 illustrates the two common character-based keyboard layouts.

The main keyboard contains standard typewriter keys as well as some special keys like the Ctrl (control) key. The auxiliary, or numeric, keypad contains special function keys and keys for entering numeric data. In some applications, these keys are used for special commands; for example, the EVE editor uses them for entering editing commands. On the VT100 keyboard, arrow keys, which you use to move the cursor, and indicators appear across the top of the keyboard. The VT200 keyboard has special keys, function keys, and indicators across the top. The editing keypad contains the arrow keys and special editing keys.

Figure 1.2: Keyboard Layouts for the VT100 and VT200

The Return key on the main keyboard is particularly important. You use it to enter a line of text that you have typed and to advance the cursor to the beginning of the next line.

Pressing the...