Initially, a user needs to get a userid and, optionally, a password. The userid is typed in at the login prompt, which usually looks like:
login:
Following the logon, the password prompt will appear:
password:
When the password is typed, it will not be echoed back to the display terminal for security reasons. NOTE: if you log on through telnet on an IBM 3278 terminal, the password WILL show - take necessary precautions.
The first time a user logs on, a password may not be required. In this case, the user will be logged on automatically.
Upon logging on, a number of special files will be executed. These will be discussed in the Special Files chapter.