Added clarity on how to access config settings in the System Console

source/configure/authentication-configuration-settings.rst

@@ -4,14 +4,14 @@ Authentication configuration settings
 .. include:: ../_static/badges/allplans-cloud-selfhosted.rst
   :start-after: :nosearch:
 
-Mattermost supports up to four distinct, concurrent methods of **Authentication**:
+Mattermost supports up to 4 distinct, concurrent methods of user authentication:
 
 - An OpenID provider
 - A SAML provider
 - An LDAP instance (e.g., Active Directory, OpenLDAP)
 - Email and Password
 
-Both self-hosted and Cloud admins can access the following configuration settings in **System Console > Authentication**. Self-hosted admins can also edit the ``config.json`` file as described in the following tables.
+Review and manage the following authentication configuration options in the System Console by selecting the **Product** |product-list| menu, selecting **System Console**, and then selecting **Authentication**:
 
 - `Signup <#signup>`__
 - `Email <#email>`__
@@ -23,6 +23,13 @@ Both self-hosted and Cloud admins can access the following configuration setting
 - `OpenID Connect <#openid-connect>`__
 - `Guest Access <#guest-access>`__
 
+.. tip::
+
+  System admins managing a self-hosted Mattermost deployment can edit the ``config.json`` file as described in the following tables. Each configuration value below includes a JSON path to access the value programmatically in the ``config.json`` file using a JSON-aware tool. For example, the ``EnableUserCreation`` value is under ``TeamSettings``.
+
+  - If using a tool such as `jq <https://stedolan.github.io/jq/>`__, you'd enter: ``cat config/config.json | jq '.TeamSettings.EnableUserCreation'``
+  - When working with the ``config.json`` file manually, look for an object such as ``TeamSettings``, then within that object, find the key ``EnableUserCreation``.
+
 ----
 
 Signup

source/configure/cloud-billing-account-settings.rst

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ Cloud workspace subscription, billing, and account settings
 .. include:: ../_static/badges/allplans-cloud.rst
   :start-after: :nosearch:
 
-Go to **System Console > Billing and Account** to manage the following aspects of your Cloud deployment:
+Review and manage the following aspects of your Mattermost cloud-based deployment by selecting the **Product** |product-list| menu, selecting **System Console**, and then selecting **Billing and Account**:
 
 - Access billing history
 - Manage the :doc:`product subscription </about/cloud-subscriptions>` and account details for your Mattermost Cloud deployment.

source/configure/compliance-configuration-settings.rst

@@ -4,13 +4,20 @@ Compliance configuration settings
 .. include:: ../_static/badges/ent-cloud-selfhosted.rst
   :start-after: :nosearch:
 
-Both self-hosted and Cloud admins can access the following configuration settings in **System Console > Compliance**. Self-hosted admins can also edit the ``config.json`` file as described in the following tables. 
+Review and manage the following compliance configuration options in the System Console by selecting the **Product** |product-list| menu, selecting **System Console**, and then selecting **Compliance**:
 
 - `Data Retention Policies <#data-retention-policies>`__
 - `Compliance Export <#compliance-export>`__
 - `Compliance Monitoring <#compliance-monitoring>`__
 - `Custom Terms of Service <#custom-terms-of-service>`__
 
+.. tip::
+
+  System admins managing a self-hosted Mattermost deployment can edit the ``config.json`` file as described in the following tables. Each configuration value below includes a JSON path to access the value programmatically in the ``config.json`` file using a JSON-aware tool. For example, the ``MessageRetentionDays`` value is under ``DataRetentionSettings``.
+
+  - If using a tool such as `jq <https://stedolan.github.io/jq/>`__, you'd enter: ``cat config/config.json | jq '.DataRetentionSettings.MessageRetentionDays'``
+  - When working with the ``config.json`` file manually, look for an object such as ``DataRetentionSettings``, then within that object, find the key ``MessageRetentionDays``.
+
 ----
 
 Data retention policies

source/configure/configuration-settings.rst

@@ -4,11 +4,12 @@ Configuration settings
 .. include:: ../_static/badges/allplans-cloud-selfhosted.rst
   :start-after: :nosearch:
 
-System admins for both self-hosted and Cloud Mattermost deployments can manage Mattermost configuration using the System Console. For self-hosted deployments, admins can additionally edit the ``config.json`` file. 
+System admins for both self-hosted and Cloud Mattermost deployments can manage Mattermost configuration using the System Console by selecting the **Product** |product-list| menu and selecting **System Console**. 
 
 .. note::
 
-  Mattermost requires write permissions to the ``config.json`` file; otherwise, configuration changes made within the System Console will have no effect.
+  - In self-hosted Mattermost deployments, configuration settings are maintained in the ``config.json`` configuration file, located in the ``mattermost/config`` directory, or :doc:`stored in the database </configure/configuration-in-your-database>`. System admins managing self-hosted deployments can also modify the ``config.json`` file directly using a text editor.
+  - Mattermost requires write permissions to the ``config.json`` file; otherwise, configuration changes made within the System Console will have no effect.
 
 Mattermost configuration settings are organized into the following categories within the System Console:
 
@@ -24,8 +25,6 @@ Mattermost configuration settings are organized into the following categories wi
 - :doc:`Compliance configuration settings </configure/compliance-configuration-settings>`
 - :doc:`Experimental configuration settings </configure/experimental-configuration-settings>`
 
-In self-hosted Mattermost deployments, configuration settings are maintained in the ``config.json`` configuration file, located in the ``mattermost/config`` directory, or :doc:`stored in the database </configure/configuration-in-your-database>`. System admins managing self-hosted deployments can also modify the ``config.json`` file directly using a text editor.
-
 Configuration in database
 --------------------------
 

source/configure/environment-configuration-settings.rst

@@ -4,14 +4,29 @@ Environment configuration settings
 .. include:: ../_static/badges/allplans-selfhosted.rst
   :start-after: :nosearch:
 
-.. tip:: 
-
-  Each configuration value below includes a JSON path to access the value programmatically in the ``config.json`` file using a JSON-aware tool. For example, the ``SiteURL`` value is under ``ServiceSettings``.
+Review and manage the following environmental configuration options in the System Console by selecting the **Product** |product-list| menu, selecting **System Console**, and then selecting **Environment**:
+
+- `Web server <#web-server>`__
+- `Database <#database>`__
+- `Elasticsearch <#elasticsearch>`__
+- `File storage <#file-storage>`__
+- `Image proxy <#image-proxy>`__
+- `SMTP <#smtp>`__
+- `Push notification server <#push-notification-server>`__
+- `High availaiblity <#high-availability>`__ cluster-based settings
+- `Rate limiting <#rate-limiting>`__
+- `Logging <#logging>`__
+- `Session lengths <#session-lengths>`__
+- `Performance monitoring <#performance-monitoring>`__
+- `Developer <#developer>`__ settings
+- `config.json-only settings <#config-json-only-settings>`__
+
+.. tip::
+
+  System admins managing a self-hosted Mattermost deployment can edit the ``config.json`` file as described in the following tables. Each configuration value below includes a JSON path to access the value programmatically in the ``config.json`` file using a JSON-aware tool. For example, the ``SiteURL`` value is under ``ServiceSettings``.
 
   - If using a tool such as `jq <https://stedolan.github.io/jq/>`__, you'd enter: ``cat config/config.json | jq '.ServiceSettings.SiteURL'``
-  - When working with the ``config.json`` file manually, look for the key ``ServiceSettings``, then within that object, find the key ``SiteURL``.
-
-Both self-hosted and Cloud admins can access the following configuration settings in **System Console > Environment**. Self-hosted admins can also edit the ``config.json`` file as described in the following tables. 
+  - When working with the ``config.json`` file manually, look for an object such as ``ServiceSettings``, then within that object, find the key ``SiteURL``.
 
 Web server
 ----------

source/configure/integrations-configuration-settings.rst

@@ -4,13 +4,20 @@ Integrations configuration settings
 .. include:: ../_static/badges/allplans-cloud-selfhosted.rst
   :start-after: :nosearch:
 
-Both self-hosted and Cloud admins can access the following configuration settings in **System Console > Integrations**. Self-hosted admins can also edit the ``config.json`` file as described in the following tables.
+Review and manage the following integration configuration options in the System Console by selecting the **Product** |product-list| menu, selecting **System Console**, and then selecting **Integrations**:
 
 - `Integrations management <#integrations-management>`__
 - `Bot Accounts <#bot-acocunts>`__
 - `GIF <#gif>`__
 - `CORS <#cors>`__
 
+.. tip::
+
+  System admins managing a self-hosted Mattermost deployment can edit the ``config.json`` file as described in the following tables. Each configuration value below includes a JSON path to access the value programmatically in the ``config.json`` file using a JSON-aware tool. For example, the ``EnableIncomingWebhooks`` value is under ``ServiceSettings``.
+
+  - If using a tool such as `jq <https://stedolan.github.io/jq/>`__, you'd enter: ``cat config/config.json | jq '.ServiceSettings.EnableIncomingWebhooks'``
+  - When working with the ``config.json`` file manually, look for an object such as ``ServiceSettings``, then within that object, find the key ``EnableIncomingWebhooks``.
+
 ----
 
 Integrations management

source/configure/optimize-your-workspace.rst

@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ Optimize your Mattermost workspace
 
 With workspace optimizations, system admins can review their workspace health and growth scores, then take advantage of recommended actions for ensuring their workspace is running smoothly and teams are maximizing productivity.
 
-System admins can access their workspace optimization page in the System Console by going to **Reporting > Workspace Optimization**.
+System admins can access their workspace optimization page in the System Console by selecting the **Product** |product-list| menu, selecting **System Console**, and going to **Reporting > Workspace Optimization**.
 
 .. image:: ../images/workspace-optimization.png
   :alt: Review your workspace health and growth scores, then take advantage of recommended optimizations.

source/configure/plugins-configuration-settings.rst

@@ -4,7 +4,29 @@ Plugins configuration settings
 .. include:: ../_static/badges/allplans-cloud-selfhosted.rst
   :start-after: :nosearch:
 
-Self-hosted can manage the following configuration settings in **System Console > Plugins** or by editing the ``config.json`` file as described in the following tables. 
+Review and manage the following plugin configuration options in the System Console by selecting the **Product** |product-list| menu, selecting **System Console**, and then selecting **Plugins**:
+
+- `Plugin management <#plugin-management>`__
+- `Calls <#calls>`__
+- `GitLab <#gitlab>`__
+- `GitHub <#github>`__
+- `Jira <#jira>`__
+- `Legal Hold <#legal-hold>`__
+- `Microsoft Calendar <#microsoft-calendar>`__
+- `MS Teams <#ms-teams>`__
+- `Performance metrics <#performance-metrics>`__
+- `Collaborative playbooks <#collaborative-playbooks>`__
+- `User satisfaction surveys <#user-satisfaction-surveys>`__
+- `ServiceNow <#servicenow>`__
+- `Zoom <#zoom>`__
+- `config.json-only settings <#config-json-only-settings>`__
+
+.. tip::
+
+  System admins managing a self-hosted Mattermost deployment can edit the ``config.json`` file as described in the following tables. Each configuration value below includes a JSON path to access the value programmatically in the ``config.json`` file using a JSON-aware tool. For example, the ``Enable`` value is under ``PluginSettings``.
+
+  - If using a tool such as `jq <https://stedolan.github.io/jq/>`__, you'd enter: ``cat config/config.json | jq '.PluginSettings.Enable'``
+  - When working with the ``config.json`` file manually, look for an object such as ``PluginSettings``, then within that object, find the key ``Enable``.
 
 ----
 

source/configure/reporting-configuration-settings.rst

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ Reporting configuration settings
 .. include:: ../_static/badges/allplans-cloud-selfhosted.rst
   :start-after: :nosearch:
 
-View statistics for your overall deployment and specific teams as well as access server logs by going to **System Console > Reporting**. The following reporting configuration settings are available:
+View the following statistics for your overall deployment and specific teams, as well as access server logs, in the System Console by selecting the **Product** |product-list| menu, selecting **System Console**, and then selecting **Reporting**:
 
 - `Site statistics <#site-statistics>`__
 - `Team statistics <#team-statistics>`__

source/configure/self-hosted-account-settings.rst

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ Self-hosted workspace edition and license settings
 .. include:: ../_static/badges/allplans-selfhosted.rst
   :start-after: :nosearch:
 
-Go to **System Console > About** to manage the following aspects of your self-hosted deployment:
+Review and manage the following aspects of your self-hosted deployment by selecting the **Product** |product-list| menu, selecting **System Console**, and then selecting **About**:
 
 - View the :doc:`edition </about/editions-and-offerings>` of your Mattermost self-hosted deployment.
 - Manage your :doc:`product subscription </about/self-hosted-subscriptions>`.

source/configure/site-configuration-settings.rst

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ Site configuration settings
 .. include:: ../_static/badges/allplans-cloud-selfhosted.rst
   :start-after: :nosearch:
 
-Both self-hosted and Cloud admins can access the following configuration settings in the System Console by going to **Site Configuration**. Self-hosted admins can also edit the ``config.json`` file as described in the following tables.
+Review and manage the following site configuration options in the System Console by selecting the **Product** |product-list| menu, selecting **System Console**, and then selecting **Site Configuration**:
 
 - `Customization <#customization>`__
 - `Localization <#localization>`__
@@ -18,6 +18,13 @@ Both self-hosted and Cloud admins can access the following configuration setting
 - `Notices <#notices>`__
 - `Connected Workspaces <#connected-workspaces>`__
 
+.. tip::
+
+  System admins managing a self-hosted Mattermost deployment can edit the ``config.json`` file as described in the following tables. Each configuration value below includes a JSON path to access the value programmatically in the ``config.json`` file using a JSON-aware tool. For example, the ``SiteName`` value is under ``TeamSettings``.
+
+  - If using a tool such as `jq <https://stedolan.github.io/jq/>`__, you'd enter: ``cat config/config.json | jq '.TeamSettings.SiteName'``
+  - When working with the ``config.json`` file manually, look for an object such as ``TeamSettings``, then within that object, find the key ``SiteName``.
+
 ----
 
 Customization

source/configure/user-management-configuration-settings.rst

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ User management configuration settings
 .. include:: ../_static/badges/allplans-cloud-selfhosted.rst
   :start-after: :nosearch:
 
-Manage your Mattermost users including their access permissions, groups, teams, channels, as well as their access to the System Console. Access user management options in the System Console by going to **User Management**:
+Review and manage the following in the System Console by selecting the **Product** |product-list| menu, selecting **System Console**, and then selecting **User Management**:
 
 - `Users <#users>`__
 - `Groups <#groups>`__

source/guides/administration.rst

@@ -14,7 +14,11 @@ Manage Mattermost
   Self-hosted administration </guides/self-hosted-administration>
   Other resources </guides/other-administration-resources>
 
-This guide is for people who administer an existing Mattermost server. It’s divided into four parts:
+This guide is for people who administer an existing Mattermost server using the System Console, the ``config.json`` file, or through the management of environment variables.
+
+As a system admin, access the System Console by selecting the **Product** |product-list| menu and selecting **System Console**.
+
+This administrative guide is divided into 4 parts:
 
 * :doc:`Get started </guides/get-started-with-administration>` - An overview of standard configurations and features for both self-hosted and Cloud deployments.
 * :doc:`Cloud workspace management </guides/cloud-workspace-management>` - Detailed information about admin capabilities of Mattermost Cloud deployments.

source/guides/get-started-with-administration.rst

@@ -38,6 +38,10 @@ Get started with administration
 
 These resources will help you get started with your Mattermost self-hosted or Cloud workspace.
 
+.. tip::
+
+    As a system admin, access the System Console by selecting the **Product** |product-list| menu and selecting **System Console**.
+
 * **Mattermost feature labels** - Learn what :doc:`Mattermost feature labels </getting-started/feature-labels>`, including :ref:`Experimental <getting-started/feature-labels:experimental>`, :ref:`Beta <getting-started/feature-labels:beta>`, :ref:`General Availability <getting-started/feature-labels:general availability>`, and :ref:`Deprecated <getting-started/feature-labels:deprecated>` mean to the status, maturity, and support level of Mattermost product features and functionality in your Mattermost deployment.
 * **Optimize your workspace** - Review health and growth scores for your Mattermost workspace, and take necessary action using the :doc:`workspace optimization </configure/optimize-your-workspace>` page in the System Console.
 * **Configure your workspace** - Mattermost offers extensive configuration options for both :doc:`self-hosted Mattermost servers and Mattermost Cloud workspaces </configure/configuration-settings>`, and provides a list of :doc:`deprecated configuration settings </configure/deprecated-configuration-settings>` no longer supported.

source/manage/cloud-ip-filtering.rst

@@ -9,8 +9,8 @@ IP filtering is a powerful security feature that allows system admins to control
 Configure IP filtering
 ------------------------
 
-1. **Log in as system admin**: Access the System Console of your workspace, ensuring your user is a system admin.
-2. **Go to Site Configuration**: Once logged in, go to the **Site Configuration** section.
+1. **Log in as system admin**: As a system admin, access the System Console of your workspace by selecting the **Product** |product-list| menu and selecting **System Console**.
+2. **Go to Site Configuration**: Go to the **Site Configuration** section.
 3. **Access IP Filtering Settings**: Under **Site Configuration**, select **IP Filtering** to access the IP Filtering settings.
 
    .. image:: ../images/system-console-ip-filtering.png