ISPF (z/OS) - TSO and ISPF Basics Flashcards
Name that acronym
TSO
Time Sharing Option
Time Sharing Option
A facility that enables commands to be entered at a terminal to allocate files and run programs interactively.
True or False
TSO is the environment where ISPF runs?
True
True or False
TSO is commonly used to refer to TSO/E?
True
TSO/E is the current version of TSO
TSO allows you to do what?
Manipulate all source data sets, compile and link programs interactively instead of batch processing or complex JCL.
True or False
TSO allows you to communicate with JES2 and JES3, and allows you to submit background jobs?
True
Using what interactive interface can you submit jobs?
TSO
If you TSO session contains three asterisks:
~~~
***
~~~
it means one of three scenarios has occurred. What are those scenarios?
The screen is full and there is more data that needs to be displayed
The process has completed and is waiting for your input
A broadcast message interrupted your activity
In the following example, a display of three asterisks is present. In this context what does it mean?
Welcome to the IBM Z Dallas ISV Center ***
It’s an indication that you need to press the Enter key to display additional information
For most users creating a dataset, what is the automatic prefix assigned to the new dataset?
The logon ID.
ex. TS89809.SOURCE.COBOL(PROG1)
What is the standard dataset naming convention?
PROJECT.GROUP.TYPE
Max characters of each qualifier in a dataset
8
What must a qualifier begin with?
An alpha or national character (@, $, or #)
What is the maximum number of characters a dataset can have?
44 including periods
For most users, what will the PROJECT qualifier be limited to?
Their user logon ID
JES
Job Entry Subsystem
Job Entry Subsystem
A component of the operating system that receives jobs into the operating system, schedules them for processing by z/OS, and controls their output processing.
JES2
One of two types of job entry subsystems available for MVS systems.
JES3
One of two types of job entry subsystems available for MVS systems.
In an environment with several processing units, a global JES3 program manages all job processing with the assistance of local processors.
What does the ready prompt indicate in TSO?
~~~
READY
~~~
It is informing you that TSO is ready for input.
What will TSO do if you enter commands with missing parameters?
It will prompt you for them
True or False
A TSO READY prompt indicates that you have entered ISPF.
False - The TSO READY message indicates that you have accessed TSO and can enter TSO commands.
True or False
TSO functions can be performed from TSO and ISPF.
True
True or False
TSO provides you with the ability to broadcast a message to users.
True - TSO provides the ability to broadcast messages to users
True or False
Your TSO logon ID password can be a maximum of 10 alphanumeric characters.
False - 8 Characters
Command to list datasets?
LISTCAT
What does LISTCAT do?
List data sets, interrogate catalogs, and enable the user to list one or many data sets with a particular name or prefix.
The LISTCAT parameter used to select a set of data sets beginning with a particular high level qualifier (HLQ)
For example, to list all datasets with an HLQ of TS89809
LEVEL
Ex. LISTCAT LEVEL(TS89809)
What does the LEVEL parameter do?
Allows you to select a set of datasets with a particular High Level Qualifier (HLQ).
Entire command to list datasets with HLQ beginning with TS89809
LISTCAT LEVEL(TS89809)
With what LISTCAT parameter can a particular dataset(s) be displayed?
ENTRIES
ex. LISTCAT ENTRIES(‘TS89809.PROGS.COBOL’)
What LISTCAT parameter is used to display information about a specific catalog?
CATALOG
ex. LISTCAT CATALOG(‘CATLOG.USERAA’)
What LISTCAT parameter is used to display entries only if they were created no later than that number of days ago?
CREATION(days)
Name that acronym
RECFM
Record format
Name that acronym
LRECL
Logical Record Length
Name that acronym
DSORG
Dataset Organization
What LISTCAT parameter is used to display entries only if they expire no later than that number of days from now?
EXPIRATION(days)
What LISTCAT parameter is used to display entries for alias entries to be listed
ALIAS
What LISTCAT parameter is used to specify the entries for generation data groups to be listed?
GENERATIONDATAGROUP
name that acronym
GDG
Generation Data Group
What LISTCAT parameter is used to specify the entries for page spaces to be listed?
PAGESPACE
What TSO command is used to list data set information?
LISTDS
What LISTDS parameter is used when you need to display dataset information for datasets whose details are stored in a catalog other than the master?
CATALOG
What LISTDS parameter is used to display creation and expiration details for the specified datasets?
HISTORY
What LISTDS parameter is used to display the chain of DSCBs for the dataset specified?
LABEL
What is DSCB used for
To define the dataset on the VTOC
What LISTDS parameter is used to display the high level qualifier specified in the dataset name?
LEVEL
What LISTDS parameter is used to display a list of member names for the partition data set specified
MEMBERS
What LISTDS parameter is used to display associated ddnames and dataset dispositions?
STATUS
what is a ddname?
A name that is defined to a DD statement within JCL.
What can a ddname be used for?
As reference when viewing JCL output, or used internally by the JCL for purposes such as referbacks.
What type of dataset names can be renamed using the RENAME command?
non-VSAM and PDS (Partitioned datasets)
When using RENAME, the ALIAS parameter can only be used when renaming what type of dataset?
Partitioned dataset (PDS)
Using the RENAME command, what is proper syntax to rename a dataset?
RENAME <’OLD NAME’> <’NEW NAME’>
Optionally ALIAS
RENAME <’OLD NAME’> <’NEW NAME’> ALIAS
What command will terminate the current TSO session?
LOGOFF
True or False, when logging off a TSO session, you should first free up data sets allocated by the user, or those used in creating the session?
False. When you use LOGOFF, these resources are freed up for you.
The ________ command is used to list data sets, interrogate a catalog, and enable the user to list one or many data sets with a particular name or prefix.
LISTCAT
The _________ command can be used to list data set information.
LISTDS
Data sets can be renamed with the _____________ command.
RENAME
The _____________ command will terminate the current TSO session.
LOGOFF
Before a data set can be used by a program, IBM utility, or TSO user, what must first be done?
Allocate the dataset
What three commands are available for managing the allocations of datasets?
ALLOCATE
FREE
LISTALC
What command will allocate a dataset?
ALLOCATE
What command will free an allocated dataset?
FREE
What command will display allocated datasets?
LISTALC
What is one of the functions of the ALLOCATE command?
Associate a particular dataset with a ddname
When they read or write data, most programs use a _____ called a __________ to define their files.
symbolic name, data definition
What is a data definition?
A symbolic name used by programs to refer to data files.W
What does a data definition name do?
It provides a way to associate a logical name with a physical dataset.
What is the benefit of using a data definition name?
Makes it easier for programs to access and manipulate data by decoupling programs from the physical locations and characteristics of a file path or details.
Syntax to allocate a dataset
ALLOCATE DATASET(‘dataset name’) FILE(ddname)
True or False
You can allocate a dataset that does not yet exist?
True - This will create the dataset
If a command doesn’t fit on one line, how can you ensure it continues on the next?
By including a + in the command
Ex
ALLOCATE DSNAME('TS89809.PROGS.BACKUP') NEW CATALOG + DIR(4) LIKE('TS89809.PROGS.COBOL')
Which of these are valid ALLOCATE command parameters?
FILE
HISTORY
DDNAME
DSNAME
VOLSER
UNIT
FILE
DDNAME
DSNAME
UNIT
What command is used to transmit a dataset?
XMIT or TRANSMIT
In the following command
XMIT DTB.DTPL121 DSNAME('NETWORK.CNTL') MEMBERS(NETTAB)
What is the destination system?
DTB
In the following command
XMIT DTB.DTPL121 DSNAME('NETWORK.CNTL') MEMBERS(NETTAB)
What part indicates the user that will receive the dataset?
DTPL121
In the following command
XMIT DTB.DTPL121 DSNAME('NETWORK.CNTL') MEMBERS(NETTAB)
Which is the dataset name?
NETWORK.CNTL
In the following command
XMIT DTB.DTPL121 DSNAME('NETWORK.CNTL') MEMBERS(NETTAB)
Which is member to be transmitted?
NETTAB
In the following command
XMIT DTB.DTPL121 DSNAME('NETWORK.CNTL') MEMBERS(NETTAB)
If MEMBERS was not includes, what would happen?
The whole dataset would have been transmitted
Which utility is used by TRANSMIT to send a dataset?
IEBCOPY
What severity code means a successful operation?
0
After you transmit a dataset, how would the receiving system receive the dataset?
You must logon and type RECEIVE
True or False
TSO commands can be used to execute a REXX program.
True
True or False
The TSO command CREATE is used to produce a new data set.
False
True or False
The TSO READY message indicates that you have successfully logged into TSO.
True
True or False
The first time you log into TSO, you can create your own password.
False
You are presented with this display.
Welcome to the IBM Dallase ISV Center ***
Which key is required to display the next screen?
Enter
Which command displays the catalog entry of a data set?
LISTCAT
Which command displays the data set details RECFM, LRECL, and DSORG?
LISTDS
Which three parameters can be coded within the FREE command?
Select the correct options.
Click Check My Answer when you have finished.
DEVICE
DISP
DDNAME
DSNAME
ALL
UNIT
DDNAME
DSNAME
ALL
What will be allocated when DUMMY is specified as the value of the DSNAME parameter?
No devices or space are allocated and no disposition processing is performed for the data set
__________/___________ is the command combination to send a data set from one system to another.
TRANSMIT / RECEIVE
or XMIT / RECEIVE
Which four criteria are required if you need to transmit a member of a PDS?
Member Name
Network Address
Data Set
User
DASD
System
Member Name
Data Set
User
System
Name that acronym
ISPF
Interactive System Productivity Facility
Where does Interactive System Productivity Facility (ISPF) run?
In TSO
What is ISPF also called?
SPF or ISPF/PDF
What does ISPF allow you to do?
Run TSO commands without having to remember complex TSO command formats
What are some functions included in ISPF around datasets?
Browsing, editing, printing, maintenance, scanning, and comparing
By default, the first screen displayed in ISPF is the _____
Primary Option Menu
True or False
TSO commands can be entered from the ISPF Primary Option Menu.
True
True or False
Long and short messages can be displayed in the ISPF Primary Option Menu.
True
True or False
You need to log into TSO first before you can access ISPF.
True
True or False
A password is not required to log into TSO.
False
True or False
During the login process, the *** characters indicate that an error has occurred.
False
What are the basic options available under ISPF?
View a dataset
Edit a dataset
What are options 4 and 5 in the Primary Option Menu related to?
Assembling, compiling, and link editing program source code.
What is option 6 related to?
Directly enter commands into TSO
What syntax can be used to navigate to another ISPF menu when not in the Primary Option Window?
=
The equals sign, such as ‘=6’
How would you concatenate multiple commands using the ‘=’ navigation menu?
with semicolon
;
ex =6;LISTALC
Using concatination (semicolons) how would you indicate to the system a press of the enter key?
two semicolons.
ex. =2;;
When an option is preceded by an asterisk and a different color, what does this indicate?
The option is not available or is currently selected
What two methods are available to leave a pull-down menu?
F12
Move the curser outside the menu and press enter
True or False
The action bar menu items are the same no matter which ISPF option you are in.
False - This will differ depending on the screen you have accessed
True or False
The F10 key can be used to escape from an action bar pull-down menu.
False - F12
True or False
An action bar menu item can be selected by typing its number in the user entry field or placing the cursor on the item and pressing Enter.
True
True or False
An action bar menu item that is preceded by an asterisk indicates that the option is not available or is currently selected.
True
the item that describes how to display the long message on a standard ISPF screen.
Menu Utilities Compilers Options Status Help
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ISPF Primary Option Menu Invalid option
Option ===> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
Pressing the PF01 key
Which option takes you to the DSLIST panel?
=3.4
Which single command can be used to access the View Entry Panel and then accept the data set name defaults for that screen so that you can access the member list associated with it?
=1;;
Each command to the area that it is used to reach.
Edit 2
Data Set Utilities 3.2
Library Utilities 3.1
Utilities 3
Data Set List Utilities 3.4
View 1
If the PROJECT, GROUP, or TYPE field is changed in the View Entry Panel, what will be displayed in these fields when the user enters the Edit menu?
The fields are updated to match the View menu.
If the PROJECT, GROUP, or TYPE fields are changed in the View Entry Panel menu, what will be displayed when the user enters the Data Set List Utility Menu?
The fields will contain the data that was entered the last time this option was used.
You have accidentally displayed a pull-down menu from the action bar. Which two methods can be used to exit and hide the pull-down menu without invoking any options?
Menu Utilities Compilers Options Status Help
---------------- -------------------------------- --------------------------
| 1. Foreground Compilers |
Option ===> | 2. Background Compilers |
| 3. ISPPREP Panel Utility... | +
0 Settings | 4. DTL Compiler... | User ID . : DTPS00
1 View -------------------------------- Time. . . : 01:09
2 Edit Create or change source data Terminal. : 3278
F12 or click curser off menu and press enter
