The DBA Desktop
Now different companies have different security protocols, so this may not apply to everyone, but if I go to a client site, I really only need my laptop, and some connectivity settings to access the mainframe, set up DB2 Connect, gain access to the internet, and I’m away.
On my laptop, I have the following tools installed:
- DB2 Estimator
- Firefox
- IBM Developerworks Firefox Plug-in
- Sage RSS feed reader for Firefox Plug-in
- IBM Support Toolbar for Internet Explorer
- A link to IBM’s Look-At internet page stored in the links folder of Firefox and Internet Explorer
Because I use Firefox as my web browser, I have added in the IBM Developerworks search plugin, which means I can search Developerworks from my browser at any time. As well as that plugin, the Sage RSS feed reader means that I can view RSS feeds from a variety of sources. IBM publish feeds that are updated when new redbooks are published for example, and these feeds are split into several categories. That means I can receive information about new publications almost instantly, which is fantastic.
The IBM Support Toolbar currently only works on Internet Explorer, but the Firefox version is in development. With the toolbar in place, I can get to the IBM support site, again, from my browser, instantly. I can search for APARs, PTFs, report problems all from this single point.
With the IBM Look-At site bookmarked, I can research any messages and codes I encounter again, from the same browser, making my Firefox browser an absolutely essential troubleshooting tool.
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