MCS display consoles can operate in full-capability,
status display, or message stream mode. 
HMCS and
SMCS consoles only operate in full-capability mode. Each one has
a keyboard to enter commands and responses to messages and to signal
the system that you are entering information. Each one also has a
cursor, which appears on the screen as a movable point of light (either
an underscore, a horizontal bar, or a vertical bar). The cursor points
out the position on the screen that the system will examine for your
next action. This action might be positioning a typed character,
entering a command, requesting message deletion, or requesting a display.
Special keys located on the console keyboard control cursor movement.
A display console can also have some or all of the following features:
Selector Pen:
The selector pen is a light-sensitive device that is available on some display consoles. When you put the pen over specific areas of the display console screen, it senses the light from the screen and signals the system. The system then determines the screen location over which you have put the pen and takes appropriate action. The action the system takes might involve entering operator commands, deleting messages from the screen, cancelling processes, or presenting displays.
Audible Alarm:
An audible alarm is available on display consoles. The system sounds this alarm when certain changes in conditions occur, such as when you enter an invalid CONTROL command. WTO macros with descriptor codes of 1, 2, or 11, and all WTOR macros will cause the audible alarm to sound on operator consoles so-equipped.
Program Function Keyboard:
The program function keyboard is an input device that is available on some display consoles. You can define each key on the program function keyboard to enter one or more operator commands; you can enter a command or a group of commands by pressing one key.
Extended highlighting:
Extended highlighting refers to blinking, reverse video, and underscored presentation of messages that require operator action.
Color:
Four or more colors are available on some devices, with certain colors identifying certain kinds of messages that require action.
Intensity:
Some messages that require operator action appear brighter.