PETs are programs written for VM/CMS which provide an alternate interface to standard (and some not so standard) CMS functions. PETs make extensive use of CMS Windows and are written to be manipulated by a workstation mouse. No software, other than a suitable 3270 emulator, need be installed on the workstation.

Topics

• The PETSHELL Interface
• What Can You Click On?
• Why Would You Want to Use Your Mouse on the Mainframe?
• So What Can You Do?
• What About Xedit?
• One More Word

The PETSHELL Interface

Most people will want to try using PETSHELL as their standard front end to VM/CMS. The PETSHELL EXEC creates a CMS shell with a visually appealing and mouse-clickable interface to standard VM/CMS. The basic screen looks like this:

The PETs are designed to be manipulated with a mouse, but it's also okay to type and press PF keys as with any other 3270 application.

All the PETs programs share a common look-and-feel, color scheme, and operational characteristics. It is relatively simple to learn to use this interface; and once you get the hang of it, you will very likely want to use it for some or all of your CMS work.

Don't be afraid to experiment--click around a bit and see what happens. When you are ready, try tailoring some of the menus to suit your own needs.

What Can You Click On?

• PF key labels,
• items from menus or lists,
• yellow hotspots (you can change the hotspot color if you like),
• outside a window to close that window,
• any line or column on the screen.

Why Would You Want to Use Your Mouse on the Mainframe?

• It's much faster than typing.
• It's easier than using arrow keys and pressing ENTER.
• You'll make fewer errors (less backspacing).
• You don't have to remember CMS commands and options.
• You'll be more productive.

And if you're a PC or Mac user who shies away from using VM/CMS on the mainframe because it's "so different"--well, it's not so different any more!

So What Can You Do?

VM/CMS is rich with function, and PETs programs access that functionality for you. For example, you can

• view a calendar,
• take notes,
• send messages,
• select a file to edit,
• print files,
• set up your own menus of CMS commands,
• locate files containing specific words or phrases,
• dynamically access and release virtual disks,
• manage virtual disks,
• manage disk files,
• manage reader files,
• set virtual printer characteristics,
• manage logs,

What About Xedit?

• issue subcommands
• set bookmarks,
• change colors,
• switch profiles,
• take snapshots of files you're working on,
• locate other files,
• send the current file to one or more CMS ids,
• use your mouse to insert and rearrange text,

One More Word

--rick ellis