SQUASH for AS/400 - Frequently Asked Questions

Last Updated: May 28, 1996

Which *FILE objects are not "squashable"?

Only *FILE objects with the PF-SRC attribute may have their members compressed. All other *FILE objects are not processed by SQUASH.

What can we expect in disk savings?

SQUASH reduces PF-SRC files by an average of 75% to 85% when member compression and the unique on-line archive are both used. To determine the amount of space saved for your system, add up the current space taken by all PF-SRC source files and multiple that number by 0.8. The result is the amount of disk space that will be saved.

Can SQUASH be used from PDM?

Yes. We have implemented custom PDM options that you use to access compressed members. Instead of using option '2' to edit a squashed member, you use our custom option 'EQ' (Edit sQuashed). You can edit, browse, print and compile compressed members.

What about member retrieval time?

Member retrieval time is a little longer than normal due to the decompression processing required. The amount of time is directly related to the size of the member and the speed of your AS/400 processor. It is not burdensome in most cases, we developed SQUASH on a model B10 (the slowest AS/400 ever made) and did not find it to be a problem.

Can a member be damaged (or lost) during compress/decompress?

No instances have ever been reported where this has occurred to date. And SQUASH has been in the marketplace since 1991!.

Does SQUASH run selectively, globally or both?

Both. It is the users option to work with a single member, group of related members or an entire source file.

Does the PDM interface make a determination to decompress or must the operator make a selection?

The members are visually tagged as compressed from the PDM display. The operator can tell by looking at the PDM member display which are compressed and which are not. The operator decides whether to use a decompress retrieve or a normal retrieve.

Are there any OS/400 release level compatibility considerations?

No. The product works on all versions of OS/400 from V1R3M0 on up to the latest RISC version of OS/400.

Is the interface thru PDM an enhancement to the IBM screens?

No. We have not interfered with PDM in any way. This enables IBM to change PDM as they wish. We don't have to keep changing SQUASH to keep pace with it. All PDM enhancements are implemented as user options.