If I use Copy to Import File to build a CSV file in the IFS from a database file, I get data, but no column headings. Lack of column headings confuses the poor soul that opens the file in Excel. Do you have an easy yet effective way to address this omission?

–Robert

What you need is an easy way to stuff column headings into the stream file before you add the data. Here’s one method:

• Create a one-record table.
• Use a file editor–even DFU will suffice–to key in the quote-delimited, comma-separated headings.
• Use CPYTOIMPF, specifying MBROPT(*REPLACE), to copy the

To become an effective i/OS system administrator, you need to access a lot of information. This week, I’ll look at some of the more valuable pieces of information I frequently use to service my Power i systems and how I retrieve and maintain that information. Perhaps you can use this list as a starting point for collating your own critical i/OS knowledge base.

Serial Number, Processor Group, and Machine Type

It seems like outside vendors always ask for the serial number of the machine I’m working on. The system Processor Group (otherwise known as P Group, which is used for