Putting User Spaces in Your Toolbox
by Bruce Guetzkow

One of the more powerful tools for iSeries programmers is the user space. Many IBM list APIs use a user space to hold the results of these API calls. A user space is similar to a data area, except that it can be much larger (up to 16 Mb, as opposed to only 2 Kb). It also expands in size automatically as more data is added to it, while data areas are fixed in length. User spaces can be accessed only by using APIs. This article explains the basic APIs needed to access user spaces, and presents procedures and a service program to simplify their use even further. READ MORE >

Service Programs with a Smile
by Joel R. Cochran

So you've finally turned that old subroutine into a subprocedure (you know, the one that was copied into every piece of code your shop ever wrote) and have compiled that subprocedure into its own free-standing *MODULE object. You've replaced all the EXSR op codes with calls to your new subprocedure, and you've recreated all the programs and bound the new *MODULE to each one. All seems sweet in ILE-land, until you encounter the first bug in your subprocedure and the maintenance problems that entails. But fear not, that's why IBM gave us service programs. READ MORE >

Back to Basics: The Copy Screen Feature
by Kevin Vandever

Have you ever tried to research a software problem remotely? The user attempts to explain the options and menus he negotiated, while you frantically write down each word, asking questions and interjecting assumptions as you go. How about providing remote training or a demo over the phone? It just doesn't cut it, does it? Well there's a better way to accomplish these tasks, and it doesn't involve purchasing an airline ticket. Come on in and check out how the copy screen feature can help. READ MORE >

OS/400 Alert: Security Is More Than Staying Current
by Shannon O'Donnell

Security involves more than simply keeping your virus definitions and PTF levels up to date. Sometimes you have to take a more proactive stance and take measures to control access manually. This issue explains how you can control access to a host of OS/400 services and gives you an example using FTP. Also this week, we have discovered that IBM doesn't always use rigid analysis in solving OS/400 problems. Sometimes they just take the "what the heck, let's see if this fixes it" approach, like the rest of us! READ MORE >

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