Creating Command Files

A command file is a text file, just like any text file that you create. It may contain MPE/iX commands, program file names, and the names of other command files. At its simplest, a command file is an MPE/iX command that you shorten.

For example, instead of typing the whole command SHOWTIME, you can use the editor to create a command file called ST that contains the command SHOWTIME. You save it, and leave the editor. Every time you enter ST Return at the system prompt (:), SHOWTIME executes.

Try creating a simple command file. Get into the editor. Create a one-line file. The only line that you need is the command in this case, SHOWTIME.

It looks like this on the screen:

   /ADD

          1    SHOWTIME

          2    //

   ...

   /KEEP ST

   /END

   END OF SUBSYSTEM

   :

You have created a command file called ST.

At the system prompt, enter:

   ST Return

To create a welcome message command file

When you start a computer session, you typically receive two kinds of information:

• A message from the computer system acknowledging the HELLO logon. This includes the date, the time, and the version number of the computer's operating system.

• A welcome message from you, the system administrator.

The welcome message is a convenient way to transmit information of general interest. For example, you can tell everyone when you plan to perform a backup, a procedure for duplicating all of the important user information contained in your computer. You can include your phone number in the message so that, in case of trouble, other users can call you.

To create a welcome message, you must have system manager (SM) or system operator (OP) capability. To do this now, log on to MANAGER.SYS or another system administrator account. Use the editor to create a new command file called WELCOME.

1. Begin the editor by entering:

   :EDITOR Return

2. At the "/" prompt, enter:

   ADD Return

   Enter the following message exactly as it appears:

   1 Welcome to the HP 3000. You are welcome 2 to use this system any time except during 3 a backup. This month, backups will be performed 4 at 7:00 pm every work night. Please log 5 off before this time. For additional information, 6 call ext. 4444. 7 Your friendly system administrator

3. Enter // Return when you have completed your message.

4. At the "/" prompt, enter:

   /KEEP WELCOME Return

5. End EDIT/3000 by entering:

   /END Return

   The computer tells you that it has ended the program. Then it reprints the system prompt on your screen.

6. Enter the WELCOME command and your file name:

   :WELCOME WELCOME Return

7. To check the new WELCOME message, enter:

   :SHOWME Return

8. Remember to return to the original user and account that you are using in this chapter.