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Operator Console Types

z/OS supports a number of different types of operator consoles. The most commonly used console is a 3270‑type terminal that was equipped with a special keyboard for use during IPL and problem analysis. The master console (obsolete since z/OS 1.8) can shut down the system, take a system dump, load processor microcode, and initiate an IPL. Only one console is designated as the master console at any time, but the data center should have alternate consoles available. An alternate console is selected when the master console fails, permitting the continued operation of the system. You can determine if an alternate console exists for each operator console by reviewing the alternate ID field on the operator console display.