The Server Console

The server console includes the monitor and keyboard where you view and control NetWare server activity. From the server console, you can

• Shut down and restart the server
• Load and unload NLM programs
• Monitor server performance
• View network traffic
• Set configuration parameters
• Edit configuration and other batch files
• Send messages

The server console also supports more than one interface:

• Command line. Commands can be entered at the System Console prompt, with or without options and parameters. The prompt is indicated by the server name followed by a colon (:). LOAD is an example of a server console command.

• Character-based menuing. Utilities use menus, lists, and portals. The key utility for monitoring the server---MONITOR---is an example of this interface.

• Java-based GUI. The X Server--Graphical Console lets you access several Java* applications from the server.

  From the Desktop menu of the X Server--Graphical Console application, you can:

  • Run Java utilities such as ConsoleOne^TM, Install, RConsoleJ, Console Log, Editor, File Browser, NetWare Remote Manager, and Server Console.
  • Control settings for the Java environment and GUI backgrounds.
  • Run any console command.
  • Close the X Server--Graphical Console application.

    To restart the Graphical Console, enter STARTX at the System Console prompt.

When NetWare is installed, the server console defaults to the Graphical Console screen. However, you can toggle between screens when you need access to the command line or if you choose to keep MONITOR loaded. For the procedure for toggling between console screens, see Viewing and Accessing Server Console Screens.

HINT:  For information on bypassing the server splash screen or replacing it with a screen of your own choice, see Starting the Server and SERVER in Utilities Reference.

Be aware of the following console security issues:

• Unauthorized access of the server console. Control keyboard access by requiring the use of a password. See Securing the Server Console.

  Use the SECURE CONSOLE command to secure your console against breaches of security. (See SECURE CONSOLE in Utilities Reference.)

  You can also use the screen saver and console-locking features in SCRSAVER. (See SCRSAVER in Utilities Reference.)

• Software tampering. An expert could use the built-in debugger to disable or bypass the security system. To prevent this, use SECURE CONSOLE.

• Hardware tampering. Keep your server in a secure location. An intruder could disable the power-on password or remove hard disks to access data.