As programs execute during system operation, the message area of a full-capability console screen fills with messages that operators might need to delete. The system can automatically remove messages from a console screen, or operators can make room for more messages by manually deleting non-action messages and messages for which action has been taken.

You can define automatic message deletion mode for an MCS, HMCS or SMCS console. With automatic message deletion, the system removes old messages without operator assistance as the screen fills. Specifying automatic message deletion for MCS, HMCS or SMCS consoles describes how you can control the automatic message deletion mode for a console. It describes automatic mode, roll mode, roll-deletable mode, and wrap mode. To handle frequent messages that appear on full-capability MCS, HMCS or SMCS consoles, it is a good idea to use roll, roll-deletable, or wrap mode. Specifying one of these automatic message deletion modes prevents messages from backing up on system queues while the system waits for screen space.

With roll, roll-deletable, and wrap modes, you can also specify that the system freeze the console screen for easier viewing of messages. Temporarily suspending the screen roll describes HOLDMODE, the console option that allows the operator to freeze the console screen to view messages.

Operators can also manually delete non-action messages from a full-capability console screen. You can control whether an operator must verify a manual deletion request to make changes or corrections. Manual deletion of messages describes how operators can manually remove messages from a console screen.

You can also activate the action message retention facility (AMRF) so operators can retrieve messages that have disappeared from the console screen. The action message retention facility helps operators deal with the heavy volume of message traffic in a system or sysplex. Retaining messages describes message retention of action messages.