as400 administrator Interview Questions and Answers

1. What is the difference between a logical partition and a physical partition on an AS400?

   • Answer: A physical partition is a physically separate section of the AS400's hardware resources (processors, memory, disks). A logical partition (LPAR) is a virtual partition created on top of the physical hardware. Multiple LPARs can share the same physical hardware, allowing for better resource utilization and isolation of different systems. Essentially, a physical partition is the hardware, while logical partitions are the software-defined subdivisions of that hardware.

2. Explain the concept of spooling in the AS400 environment.

   • Answer: Spooling (Simultaneous Peripheral Operations On-Line) is a process that allows multiple jobs to concurrently access output devices (printers, etc.) without waiting for each job to complete before the next begins. Jobs write their output to a spool file, which is then processed by the output queue manager, optimizing resource utilization and throughput.

3. Describe the different types of AS400 storage.

   • Answer: AS400 systems use various storage types, including DASD (Direct Access Storage Device), SSDs (Solid State Drives), and networked storage solutions like SANs (Storage Area Networks) and NAS (Network Attached Storage). DASD traditionally refers to magnetic disk storage, while SSDs offer significantly faster performance. Networked storage provides centralized management and scalability.

4. How do you manage user profiles and security on an AS400?

   • Answer: User profiles are managed through the Security subsystem using commands like CRTUSRPRF (Create User Profile), CHGUSRPRF (Change User Profile), and DLTUSRPRF (Delete User Profile). Security is controlled through assigning authorities (e.g., *ALLOBJ, *SECADM) and restricting access to objects based on user profiles and security groups. The use of roles and profiles helps manage these permissions effectively.

5. Explain the role of the AS400's integrated database, DB2 for i.

   • Answer: DB2 for i is the native relational database management system (RDBMS) for the AS400. It's tightly integrated with the operating system, providing high performance and reliability for data management. It supports various data types, transaction management, and security features essential for business applications.

6. What are some common performance monitoring tools used for AS400 systems?

   • Answer: Performance monitoring tools include the built-in system monitoring functions, Performance Tools (like Work Management and System Monitor), and third-party tools that provide more detailed analysis of resource utilization, bottlenecks, and potential performance issues. Analyzing system logs, spool files, and job logs is also crucial.

7. How do you handle backup and recovery procedures on an AS400?

   • Answer: Backup and recovery involve using SAV and RST commands to create save files of the system, objects, and libraries. These are usually stored on tape or external storage. Recovery involves restoring these save files using the RST command. Planning for different scenarios (e.g., full system restore, individual object recovery) is critical. Regular testing of the backup and recovery process is vital.

8. What are some common AS400 system administration tasks?

   • Answer: Common tasks include user management, security management, performance monitoring and tuning, backup and recovery, storage management, system upgrades, problem diagnosis and troubleshooting, network configuration, application support, and capacity planning.

9. Explain the concept of AS400's integrated file system.

   • Answer: The AS400's file system is an integrated part of the operating system, handling both data files and program objects. It uses a hierarchical structure of libraries and objects, providing a highly organized and efficient way to manage data and applications. This contrasts with traditional file systems on other platforms.

10. How do you troubleshoot network connectivity issues on an AS400?

    • Answer: Troubleshooting involves checking network cables, IP addresses, subnet masks, and default gateways. Tools like ping, traceroute, and network monitoring utilities are used to identify connectivity problems. Examining system logs and network interface statistics helps pinpoint the source of the issue. Working with network administrators is often necessary.

11. Describe your experience with AS400 high availability solutions.

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer based on experience. It should include details of specific HA solutions implemented, such as clustering, mirroring, or other techniques used to ensure system uptime and data redundancy.]

12. What are your experiences with AS400 security audits?

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer based on experience. It should describe participation in security audits, including the processes followed, the tools used, and any findings and remediation efforts.]

13. How familiar are you with RPG programming?

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer based on experience. It should describe the level of proficiency in RPG, including specific versions used (RPG III, RPG IV, RPGLE), and any experience with debugging and maintaining RPG programs.]

14. What is your experience with CL programming?

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer based on experience. It should describe proficiency in CL programming, including experience with creating and managing CL programs for system administration tasks.]

15. How do you manage system jobs and job queues on an AS400?

    • Answer: Job management involves monitoring job queues, controlling job priorities, and managing job scheduling using commands like WRKJOB, WRKQ, and CHGJOB. Understanding job scheduling parameters and resource allocation is crucial for efficient system operation.

16. What is your experience with AS400 system upgrades and migrations?

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer based on experience. It should detail participation in upgrades or migrations, including the planning, execution, testing, and post-upgrade validation phases.]

17. Explain your understanding of AS400 output queues and how to manage them.

    • Answer: Output queues manage the flow of output from jobs to printers or other output devices. They are configured to handle various output types and priorities. Managing them involves setting up queues, assigning devices, monitoring queue status, and troubleshooting output issues using commands like WRKOUTQ and CHGOUTQ.

18. Describe your experience with automating AS400 administration tasks.

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer based on experience. It should describe the use of scripting languages (like CL) or automation tools to streamline routine tasks, such as backups, user management, or reporting.]

19. How do you handle system errors and exceptions on an AS400?

    • Answer: Error handling involves analyzing system logs, job logs, and message queues to identify the root cause of errors. Troubleshooting techniques include using diagnostic tools, checking system resources, and consulting documentation or online resources. Implementing appropriate error handling mechanisms in applications is also important.

20. What are your experiences with different AS400 operating system versions?

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer based on experience. It should list the different versions of IBM i (formerly OS/400) with which the candidate has worked.]

21. How familiar are you with IBM Navigator for i?

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer based on experience. It should describe the extent of use of IBM Navigator for i for administration tasks.]

22. Explain your experience with capacity planning for AS400 systems.

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer based on experience. It should describe methods for forecasting future resource needs (CPU, memory, storage), based on historical data and projected growth.]

23. How do you ensure data integrity on an AS400 system?

    • Answer: Data integrity is maintained through regular backups, implementing proper security measures, using database features like constraints and triggers, and conducting regular data audits. Proper application design and development practices are also crucial.

24. What are some common AS400 performance bottlenecks and how to address them?

    • Answer: Common bottlenecks include insufficient CPU, memory, or disk I/O. Addressing them involves analyzing system performance metrics, optimizing database queries, adjusting system parameters, upgrading hardware, or improving application design.

25. Explain your understanding of the AS400's journaling capabilities.

    • Answer: Journaling provides a record of changes made to database files. It's crucial for data recovery and auditing. Different journaling levels (e.g., commit, change) provide varying degrees of recovery capabilities.

26. How do you manage and monitor system logs on an AS400?

    • Answer: System logs provide valuable information for troubleshooting and auditing. They are managed by configuring log levels and locations. Monitoring involves reviewing logs regularly for errors, warnings, and security events using tools like WRKSPLF and other log viewing utilities.

27. Describe your experience working with remote AS400 systems.

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer based on experience. It should detail the methods used for remote administration, such as telnet, SSH, or remote management tools.]

28. What is your experience with AS400 security hardening best practices?

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer based on experience. It should describe the implementation of security measures like password policies, access control lists (ACLs), regular security audits, and vulnerability scanning.]

29. How familiar are you with the AS400's object authority system?

    • Answer: The object authority system controls access to objects like files, programs, and libraries. Understanding how to grant and revoke authorities using commands like GRTOBJAUT and RSTOBJAUT is essential for managing security.

30. What is your experience with AS400 network security (firewalls, VPNs)?

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer based on experience. It should describe the use of firewalls, VPNs, and other network security measures to protect the AS400 system from unauthorized access.]

31. Describe your experience with different AS400 backup strategies (full, incremental, differential).

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer based on experience. It should describe the selection and implementation of backup strategies appropriate for different recovery requirements.]

32. How do you troubleshoot AS400 disk space issues?

    • Answer: Troubleshooting involves using commands like DSPFD to identify large files or libraries consuming significant disk space. Analyzing system logs might reveal issues contributing to space consumption. Strategies include deleting unnecessary files, archiving data, and potentially increasing disk storage capacity.

33. What are your experiences with AS400 high-availability and disaster recovery planning?

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer based on experience. It should detail the creation and testing of disaster recovery plans, including failover procedures and recovery time objectives (RTOs) and recovery point objectives (RPOs).]

34. How do you handle AS400 system outages and downtimes?

    • Answer: Handling outages involves immediately initiating a troubleshooting process to identify the root cause, implementing recovery procedures based on the severity of the outage, notifying stakeholders, and documenting the incident for future reference and prevention.

35. What is your experience with using third-party tools for AS400 administration?

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer based on experience. It should list specific third-party tools used and their applications in AS400 administration.]

36. How do you stay up-to-date with the latest AS400 technologies and best practices?

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer showing a commitment to continuous learning. It should mention specific resources like IBM's website, industry publications, training courses, and professional networking.]

37. Explain your understanding of AS400 licensing and software maintenance.

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer based on experience. It should include an understanding of different licensing models, maintenance contracts, and software updates.]

38. How do you document your AS400 administration procedures and processes?

    • Answer: Documentation is crucial for knowledge transfer and maintaining consistency. Methods include creating detailed runbooks, diagrams, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for common tasks.

39. Describe your experience with performance tuning DB2 for i databases.

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer based on experience. It should describe techniques like query optimization, indexing, and database design best practices used to improve DB2 for i performance.]

40. What is your approach to problem-solving in an AS400 environment?

    • Answer: My approach is systematic and methodical. I start by gathering information from logs, monitoring tools, and the affected users. I then isolate the problem, develop and test potential solutions, and implement the most effective solution, documenting the entire process.

41. How do you handle conflicting priorities in an AS400 administration role?

    • Answer: I prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact, using a structured approach like a task management system. I communicate clearly with stakeholders to manage expectations and ensure alignment on priorities.

42. What are your salary expectations for this role?

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer based on research of market rates and individual experience.]

43. Why are you interested in this AS400 administrator position?

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer highlighting the candidate's interest in the specific company, team, and the challenges of the role.]

44. What are your strengths and weaknesses as an AS400 administrator?

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer, focusing on relevant skills and acknowledging areas for improvement with a plan for development.]

45. Tell me about a time you had to troubleshoot a complex AS400 issue.

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer detailing a specific experience, highlighting problem-solving skills and the steps taken to resolve the issue.]

46. Tell me about a time you had to work under pressure as an AS400 administrator.

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer illustrating the candidate's ability to handle high-pressure situations and maintain composure and effectiveness.]

47. Describe your experience with working in a team environment.

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer showcasing collaborative skills, communication, and teamwork experience.]

48. How do you handle difficult conversations with users or colleagues?

    • Answer: I approach difficult conversations with empathy and professionalism, focusing on clear communication and finding mutually agreeable solutions. I listen actively and strive to understand all perspectives.

49. What are your career goals?

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer outlining the candidate's career aspirations and how this role fits into their long-term plans.]

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