Differences from a UNIX or AIX environment

If you come from a UNIX or AIX® background, you will encounter some differences when you begin to use the OMVS interface to the shell. The 3270-type terminal interface may surprise you! For example:

OMVS interface	For more information
The 3270 interface operates in line mode (also known as canonical mode). You type data on a command line and no data is transmitted until you press the <Enter> key.	Working in line mode
The 3270 interface has function keys for various tasks such as scrolling through output, running TSO/E commands, and so on.	Determining function key settings and the escape character
The OMVS interface does not have a control key. Instead of using a <Ctrl> key to type control sequences (for example, <Ctrl-D>), you use the Control function key or a multicharacter escape-key sequence.	Typing escape sequences in the shell
With the OMVS interface, you can edit z/OS UNIX files using the ISPF editor or the ed editor. Because this interface runs in line mode, you cannot use the vi editor.	Editing files
Delayed display of output: If a command you are running does not produce output for more than a few seconds, you will need to repeatedly press the Refresh key to display the output as it is produced.	Why isn't your output displayed on the screen?