02
Sat, Nov
2 New Articles

TechTalk: Take a Peek With STRCPYSCN

Typography
  • Smaller Small Medium Big Bigger
  • Default Helvetica Segoe Georgia Times

OS/400 provides a useful command that enables you to help your users with many questions or problems without leaving your desk. It is the Start Copy Screen (STRCPYSCN) command and it is very easy to use.

Let's say a user calls and says they are in a screen, they don't know how they got there and they don't know how to get out. Without STRCPYSCN, you would either have to walk to their display station (while they waited) to actually see what program they were in, or you would ask them to describe the screen over the phone while you tried to determine where they are. All in all-a time-consuming and frustrating experience.

A better solution is to run the STRCPYSCN command and key in the user's display station name (let's call it A) as the source device of the copy and key in your own display station name (let's call it B) as the output device of the screen copy (or *REQUESTER), as follows:

STRCPYSCN SRCDEV(A) OUTDEV(B)

The command then sends a break message to the source device A (the user) saying that the screen copy has been requested (from B) and prompts them to enter a C to prevent it or a G to allow it. Once they enter a G, you will then start to see copies of their screen appearing on your terminal.

The screens you see are one step behind the screen the user is seeing. When they press a key that inhibits input (such as pressing Enter, a function key or the Help key), the system copies that screen to yours and then shows the user their next screen. In order to update your screen, have them press a key to refresh the screen (usually F5) or press Help.

STRCPYSCN is also useful if a user has an error message on his screen. When he calls you, run the STRCPYSCN command. Then have him press keys to step you through various screens, while talking on the phone, until you have resolved the problem. This is an excellent way to do a step-by-step walkthrough of any given situation.

There are two ways to end the copy function when you're done. If display station A signs off, the copy function ends, releasing B. The other method is to run the End Copy Screen (ENDCPYSCN) command from display station A. When ENDCPYSCN is executed, display station B is released.

There are a few things to note. First of all, B cannot perform any functions during the copy session. That device is simply receiving the last screen as sent from A. Also remember that A is actually performing all the functions that the screen is displaying. This command does not set up a test environment or any limited functionality at the source device. What you see is still what you are getting and doing.

Editor's Note: System operators and programmers usually have access to a command line and do not have limited capabilities in their user profiles, so it's easy for them to run the STRCPYSCN command. However, since it is the user at the other end who must run ENDCPYSCN to terminate the copy function, there may be a problem if he doesn't have access to a command line and/or has limited capabilities. One solution is to have the end user sign off the system (which ends the copy function). Another solution is to provide the ENDCPYSCN command as a menu option somewhere-like in a "utilities" menu.

You should also know that you can copy to a database file instead of copying to another display. This allows you to capture screens in a file which you can edit later with a word processor (for example, to prepare software documentation). To copy to a database file, specify OUTDEV(*NONE) and the name of the database file in the OUTFILE parameter.

BLOG COMMENTS POWERED BY DISQUS

LATEST COMMENTS

Support MC Press Online

$

Book Reviews

Resource Center

  • SB Profound WC 5536 Have you been wondering about Node.js? Our free Node.js Webinar Series takes you from total beginner to creating a fully-functional IBM i Node.js business application. You can find Part 1 here. In Part 2 of our free Node.js Webinar Series, Brian May teaches you the different tooling options available for writing code, debugging, and using Git for version control. Brian will briefly discuss the different tools available, and demonstrate his preferred setup for Node development on IBM i or any platform. Attend this webinar to learn:

  • SB Profound WP 5539More than ever, there is a demand for IT to deliver innovation. Your IBM i has been an essential part of your business operations for years. However, your organization may struggle to maintain the current system and implement new projects. The thousands of customers we've worked with and surveyed state that expectations regarding the digital footprint and vision of the company are not aligned with the current IT environment.

  • SB HelpSystems ROBOT Generic IBM announced the E1080 servers using the latest Power10 processor in September 2021. The most powerful processor from IBM to date, Power10 is designed to handle the demands of doing business in today’s high-tech atmosphere, including running cloud applications, supporting big data, and managing AI workloads. But what does Power10 mean for your data center? In this recorded webinar, IBMers Dan Sundt and Dylan Boday join IBM Power Champion Tom Huntington for a discussion on why Power10 technology is the right strategic investment if you run IBM i, AIX, or Linux. In this action-packed hour, Tom will share trends from the IBM i and AIX user communities while Dan and Dylan dive into the tech specs for key hardware, including:

  • Magic MarkTRY the one package that solves all your document design and printing challenges on all your platforms. Produce bar code labels, electronic forms, ad hoc reports, and RFID tags – without programming! MarkMagic is the only document design and print solution that combines report writing, WYSIWYG label and forms design, and conditional printing in one integrated product. Make sure your data survives when catastrophe hits. Request your trial now!  Request Now.

  • SB HelpSystems ROBOT GenericForms of ransomware has been around for over 30 years, and with more and more organizations suffering attacks each year, it continues to endure. What has made ransomware such a durable threat and what is the best way to combat it? In order to prevent ransomware, organizations must first understand how it works.

  • SB HelpSystems ROBOT GenericIT security is a top priority for businesses around the world, but most IBM i pros don’t know where to begin—and most cybersecurity experts don’t know IBM i. In this session, Robin Tatam explores the business impact of lax IBM i security, the top vulnerabilities putting IBM i at risk, and the steps you can take to protect your organization. If you’re looking to avoid unexpected downtime or corrupted data, you don’t want to miss this session.

  • SB HelpSystems ROBOT GenericCan you trust all of your users all of the time? A typical end user receives 16 malicious emails each month, but only 17 percent of these phishing campaigns are reported to IT. Once an attack is underway, most organizations won’t discover the breach until six months later. A staggering amount of damage can occur in that time. Despite these risks, 93 percent of organizations are leaving their IBM i systems vulnerable to cybercrime. In this on-demand webinar, IBM i security experts Robin Tatam and Sandi Moore will reveal:

  • FORTRA Disaster protection is vital to every business. Yet, it often consists of patched together procedures that are prone to error. From automatic backups to data encryption to media management, Robot automates the routine (yet often complex) tasks of iSeries backup and recovery, saving you time and money and making the process safer and more reliable. Automate your backups with the Robot Backup and Recovery Solution. Key features include:

  • FORTRAManaging messages on your IBM i can be more than a full-time job if you have to do it manually. Messages need a response and resources must be monitored—often over multiple systems and across platforms. How can you be sure you won’t miss important system events? Automate your message center with the Robot Message Management Solution. Key features include:

  • FORTRAThe thought of printing, distributing, and storing iSeries reports manually may reduce you to tears. Paper and labor costs associated with report generation can spiral out of control. Mountains of paper threaten to swamp your files. Robot automates report bursting, distribution, bundling, and archiving, and offers secure, selective online report viewing. Manage your reports with the Robot Report Management Solution. Key features include:

  • FORTRAFor over 30 years, Robot has been a leader in systems management for IBM i. With batch job creation and scheduling at its core, the Robot Job Scheduling Solution reduces the opportunity for human error and helps you maintain service levels, automating even the biggest, most complex runbooks. Manage your job schedule with the Robot Job Scheduling Solution. Key features include:

  • LANSA Business users want new applications now. Market and regulatory pressures require faster application updates and delivery into production. Your IBM i developers may be approaching retirement, and you see no sure way to fill their positions with experienced developers. In addition, you may be caught between maintaining your existing applications and the uncertainty of moving to something new.

  • LANSAWhen it comes to creating your business applications, there are hundreds of coding platforms and programming languages to choose from. These options range from very complex traditional programming languages to Low-Code platforms where sometimes no traditional coding experience is needed. Download our whitepaper, The Power of Writing Code in a Low-Code Solution, and:

  • LANSASupply Chain is becoming increasingly complex and unpredictable. From raw materials for manufacturing to food supply chains, the journey from source to production to delivery to consumers is marred with inefficiencies, manual processes, shortages, recalls, counterfeits, and scandals. In this webinar, we discuss how:

  • The MC Resource Centers bring you the widest selection of white papers, trial software, and on-demand webcasts for you to choose from. >> Review the list of White Papers, Trial Software or On-Demand Webcast at the MC Press Resource Center. >> Add the items to yru Cart and complet he checkout process and submit

  • Profound Logic Have you been wondering about Node.js? Our free Node.js Webinar Series takes you from total beginner to creating a fully-functional IBM i Node.js business application.

  • SB Profound WC 5536Join us for this hour-long webcast that will explore:

  • Fortra IT managers hoping to find new IBM i talent are discovering that the pool of experienced RPG programmers and operators or administrators with intimate knowledge of the operating system and the applications that run on it is small. This begs the question: How will you manage the platform that supports such a big part of your business? This guide offers strategies and software suggestions to help you plan IT staffing and resources and smooth the transition after your AS/400 talent retires. Read on to learn: