quoted from:
When you connect with SQL*Plus, you are connecting to the Oracle instance.
- About Connecting to the Database with SQL*Plus
Oracle Database includes the following components: the Oracle Database instance, which is a collection of processes and memory, and a set of disk files that contain user data and system data. - Step 1: Open a Command Window
Take the necessary action on your platform to open a window into which you can enter operating system commands. - Step 2: Set Operating System Environment Variables
Depending on your platform, you may have to set environment variables before starting SQL*Plus, or at least verify that they are set properly. - Step 3: Start SQL*Plus
Start SQL*Plus. - Step 4: Submit the SQL*Plus CONNECT Command
Submit the SQL*PlusCONNECT
command to initially connect to the Oracle database instance or at any time to reconnect as a different user.