# Running A-Shell

> [HTML Version](runninga-shell.htm)

Once the software is installed, and the applications to be run have been loaded into the correct accounts, A-Shell is ready to run. Under Unix, type "ashell" at the host machine command prompt; under Windows, select the A-Shell icon from the Start menu or desktop icon.

A-Shell will respond with its prompt, and you are free to enter any AMOS commands that have been defined. To terminate the A-Shell session, enter the command "host" at the A-Shell command prompt.

Refer to [Launching A-Shell](a-shellexecutables.htm.md) for details on the command line options and other details of launching A-Shell (and PolyShell). See [System Commands](introductionsyscmd.htm.md) for details on the commands that can be entered from the A-Shell command prompt (aka the "dot prompt").