Understanding the Unix Mindset

Hey, Ted:

Back in the bad old days, we used to write DOS .bat files to transfer and process data between the S/34, the S/36, and PCs. Horrible things, those .bat files: undocumentable, difficult to understand six months later when someone requested a change, and just plain ugly to look at.

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Finding a Certain Day of the Week

Hey, Ted:

Our work week ends on Sunday. Individual manufacturing operations are usually scheduled to be completed from Monday through Friday, but occasionally we schedule something for Saturday or Sunday. Using SQL, how can I find the week-ending date for a manufacturing operation? Also, how can I find the first Friday on or after the due date?

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Attention Midrange Guru Newsletter Subscribers

Some things really make you appreciate the reliability of the AS/400. Take my recent e-mail problems, for example. On about July 25, my e-mail client refused to let me send mail. I have installed a different e-mail client and everything is working again, but for about 10 days I had to use a Web-based e-mail interface to send e-mail.

I received some of my e-mail, but not all of it. If you e-mailed me between July 25 and August 7, and you still have the message in your outbox, or can remember it, please resend your e-mail to tholt@itjungle.com.

I greatly appreciate the questions, tips, insights, and feedback you send me, because your e-mail is what has made Midrange Guru successful. As always, I will try to acknowledge, respond to, and answer as much of your e-mail as I can.

--Ted Holt

AS/400 Security: Enemies at the Gate

The iSeries and AS/400 may have a rock solid reputation for security, but, trust us, that isn't the end of the story. Vulnerabilities exist, and the OS/400 fortress is not impenetrable. Watch for the Guild Companies Special Report on AS/400 Security coming August 19. Articles by iSeries security experts such as Pat Botz, Jim Fey, John Earl, Dan Riehl, and Mike Grant--each is presenting security topics at the Fall COMMON Conference and Expo--will give you access to the latest and most useful information on this vital topic. Don't miss our special report and visit the COMMON Web site for information on the security educational focus and registration information for the upcoming conference in Orlando, Florida, September 7-11.