Re: i5 pop up window

Tom Liotta wrote:

9. Re: i5 pop up window (Jay Vaughn)

we are post v5r1 and do have qusrtools, but I don't see TZLSINFO or
SNDNSVMSG anywhere.

Jay:

QUSRTOOL needs to be not only installed but also prepared. It's been so long since I've done it and I do it so rarely, that I can't remember the steps. I always have to read through whatever README kind of members I find in the source files that get installed by default.

If the preparation step(s?) hasn't been done, then there won't be a lot to see except some tools source files and general 'table of contents' members and the CL programs that do the work. IIRC, those programs are the PACKAGE and UNPACKAGE programs.

I _think_ you should see a source file named QATTINFO. In it would be a text member named TZLSINFO. That member should explain whatever is needed to create the tool set that includes the
SNDNSVMSG command. As part of the description, the source members for the tool are listed along with a short description of the source member.

You should be able to use the names of those members to look in the other source files and find the example source. Alternatively, you can use the instructions to actually create that particular "tool" and test what its component parts do.

I always warn against using any of the tools in a production environment, but I have no problem with copying the source and modifying it in whatever fashion is needed to make it appropriate. Most often, that means using it as a learning guide. Using the tools on an informal basis is often extremely useful though.

In the case of SNDNSVMSG, it's a great introduction to a technique for sending messages around a Windows local network. The technique of using Windows messaging service can be severely limited by your policies, but it can also be a perfect choice in specific niches.

It'd be more useful if IBM would actually document the API... But then they'd probably have to support it for customers rather than only for their own use through NetServer.

Tom Liotta

-----Original Message-----

Jay Vaughn wrote:

5. i5 pop up window (Jay Vaughn)

For our green-screen users, is there a way to custom program (via rpgiv) a
way to have a window pop up on a users screen no matter what application
they are in that will provide reminder information to them. They should be
able to continue working in whatever they are working in, but see the popup
window. After a certain amount of time (or whatever condition), the window
will automatically disappear.
We were even considering a simple clp with sndbrkmsg, but that would really
be a little too rough around the edges.

Is there a way or will 3rd party software be required?

Would "3rd party" disqualify a solution? What if the "3rd party" is
Microsoft?

Assuming you're post-V5R1 and you have QUSRTOOL installed, you might
review the TZLSINFO tool for its SNDNSVMSG command. A review of the
source for that command reveals the QZLSMAINT API plus limited details
on how it can be used. (AFAIK, this is the only place any documentation
of usage exists. Also, it _might_ be available pre-V5R1, but I currently
have no way to check.)

In cases where STRPCCMD and/or RUNRMTCMD aren't useful, this API _might_
be of use. Note that all caveats related to the Windows messaging
service should be understood and addressed.