What is MVS/Quick-Ref for Windows?

MVS/Quick-Ref for Windows is a PC software package which includes all of the problem-solving features of the mainframe computer version introduced in 1988. It provides a set of programs which run under Windows 3.x and allows users to display MVS/Quick-Ref database contents on their PC. It also allows the copying of MVS/Quick-Ref user databases from the mainframe to a PC as well as formatting for display by the PC programs. Furthermore, it allows any ASCII data to be added to the PC user database.

What data is in MVS/Quick-Ref for Windows?

The data (main database) in MVS/Quick-Ref for Windows is exactly the same as that supplied in the MVS/Quick-Ref Release 5.2 database for mainframes. And, as with the mainframe version, during installation users may select any or all of the topics to be loaded to the PC's hard drive, or it may be accessed directly from the CD-ROM. This information can then be accessed with only a few clicks of the mouse button. Once the information has been displayed, the program can be minimized so as to be ready for next time.

What reference information is available?

Explanatory and recommended action information for the following MVS-related areas is included:

Assembler Language Syntax
CICS Messages and Codes
C Language Syntax
CLIST Language Syntax Description
DB2 Messages and Codes
DD Statement Syntax 
EXEC Statement Syntax
IF, INCLUDE, JCLLIB, SET
IMS Messages and Codes
JES2 Statement Syntax 
JES3 Statement Syntax 
JOB Statement Syntax

MVS Messages and Codes
MVS Wait Code Description
MVS & JES2 Command Syntax
OUTPUT Statement Syntax 
PL/1 Language Syntax
REXX Language Syntax
SMP/E Messages
TSO Command Syntax Descriptions
VS COBOL II Language Syntax
VTAM Messages
VTAM Console Command Descriptions

The Independent Software Vendor section of the database features message and code explanations and diagnostics for more than 48 Independent Software Vendors representing over 400 products.

Why MVS/Quick-Ref for Windows?

MVS/Quick-Ref for Windows incorporates most of the features of MVS/Quick-Ref together with those of a Windows application. Data can either be accessed through a hierarchy of icons and pull down menus (CUA style) directly corresponding to MVS/Quick-Ref's menus, or by a fastpath (search) method when the item name of the data is already known.

MVS/Quick-Ref for Windows can be used in a variety of ways. For example, as a technical support specialist, it can be used on a laptop to provide portability and backup when manuals are not available and you are responding to system problems offsite. This could carry over to disaster recovery and give your installation a set of reference materials that can be easily transported to a recovery site or quickly activated if stored at the recovery site. Plus,

* It provides a means of accessing MVS/Quick-Ref data when the mainframe or one of its software sub-systems is unavailable.
* It provides access to MVS/Quick-Ref data for users at PCs without the necessity of establishing a TSO or ROSCOE session.
* It provides an essential tool for remote support of mainframe applications.
* It provides a means of distributing documentation and procedures to PC networks.
* It provides an invaluable stand-alone tool for disaster recovery.
* It provides an excellent training tool for novices to the MVS arena.

How is MVS/Quick-Ref for Windows packaged, and what are the system requirements?

MVS/Quick-Ref for Windows, Release 5.2, comes in a binder which includes the User's Guide and the CD-ROM containing the programs and data. The software requires at least a 386-based PC and Windows 3.0 or later. The full installation requires approximately 115 MB of hard disk space and takes about 40 minutes on a Pentium 90 PC; or it can be accessed from the CDROM. It will run under Windows 3.1, Windows for Workgroups 3.11, Windows95, Windows NT or the WIN-OS2 facility of IBM's OS/2.