Stream: Suzuka
Time: 16:30 - 17:15
If you are new to z/OS, you have probably come across names like IEFBR14, IEBGENER, IEBCOPY, IDCAMS, and IEBCOMPR and wondered what they actually do. Their names can seem confusing at first, but the jobs they perform are much simpler than they sound. This beginner-friendly session explains five of the most common z/OS utility programs using everyday examples instead of technical jargon. We will start by looking at what a Mainframe is, what a dataset is, and how JCL tells the system what work needs to be done. Once those basics are covered, we will explore each utility one by one, explaining its purpose with simple comparisons such as a photocopier, a librarian, a filing cabinet, and a "spot the difference" game. We will also explain why IBM gave these utilities such unusual names, how the naming conventions developed over time, and how recognising simple patterns can make them much easier to remember. Finally, we will bring everything together by following a simple batch job from start to finish, showing how these utilities work together to create, copy, organise, and compare data. This example will help attendees understand not only what each utility does, but also how they fit together in a typical z/OS environment. This is a 101-session designed for people with little or no Mainframe experience. There are no live demonstrations, no coding, and no JCL walkthroughs. The focus is on building confidence through clear explanations, visual analogies, and practical examples that are easy to remember. By the end of the session, attendees will understand the purpose of five essential z/OS utilities, recognise where they are commonly used, and feel more confident when they encounter them in documentation, training courses, or real-world Mainframe environments.
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Technical Consultant
Niall is a driven individual with a demonstrative experience working across a multitude of different environments including: → Mainframe Security Consulting → Aeronautical Engineering → Software Development Endeavouring to excellence, he has become skilled in a diverse range of applications/roles, including: CAD software, Word Processors, Spreadsheets, Web-Design, Cryptography, Education & Teaching, Public Speaking and Presenting.
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