The administrative console is a graphical interface that allows you to manage your applications and perform system administration tasks for your WebSphere Application Server environment. The administrative console runs in your Web browser.
Your actions in the console modify a set of XML configuration files.
Starting and logging off the administrative console helps you begin using the console so that you can explore the available options. See also the Reference > Administrator > Settings section of the information center navigation. It lists the settings or properties you can configure.