What the heck is this AS/400 thing??

["Foster, Willow" <WFoster@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi all,

I'm new to the AS/400 and I'm finding myself completely lost most of the
time. Usually, I can find my job (WRKSBMJOB) and such, but as far as
_understanding_ these machines.... I'm completely clueless. For example,
I've had friends ask me why someone would use an AS/400 over a PC. I can
generally get away with muttering something about multiple users and batch
jobs. But, really, I'm just echoing bits and pieces I hear and have no true
idea of what I'm talking about. It's driving me nuts!! I hate feeling this
lost! I know how to use our software, but I feel like I'm on a PC and the
only thing I know how to do is use Word. I know there's so more out there. I
just can't figure out how to do it.

So, I thought I could get a book that would explain all this to me. I've
searched Amazon and found a couple that look interesting but I'd love to
hear what ya'll recommend.

Using the AS/400: An introduction
by Patrice Gapen and Catherine Stoughton

Mastering the AS/400: A Practical Hands on Guide, 3rd Edition
by Jerry Fottral

AS/400 Primer: Fundamental Concepts and Training for Programmers,
Administrators, and System Operators
by Ernie Malaga, Doug Pence, Ron Hawkins, and Ernie Malagan

Starter Kit for the IBM iSeries and AS/400
by Gary Guthrie and Wayne Madden

Introduction to the AS/400, 3rd Edition
by Robert W. Janson

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Willow