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FAQs about ISPF/ftp:

1. Does ISPF/ftp have to be used with an MVS host?
2. Why do I get IOException errors from the host server after a while?
3. Why isn't ISPF/ftp more like "real" ISPF?
4. Does ISPF/ftp remember my settings for different User ID's and hosts?
5. Can ISPF/ftp edit hex files?
6. Can ISPF/ftp handle migrated datasets?
7. How can I turn on the "debug" option?

1. Does ISPF/ftp have to be used with an MVS host?
   
   No! It can work with any FTP server. Since most users are probably familiar with using ISPF on an MVS system, most of the documentation for ISPF/ftp refers to MVS. But ISPF/ftp can be used to edit files on any system accessible via an FTP connection.
   
   
2. Why do I get IOException errors after a while?
   
   Most likely it is an indication that you have been "timed-out" by the host FTP server. Most FTP servers "time-out" users after a certain amount of time (either clock time, or unused time). This is normal. ISPF/ftp has a "reconnect" button that simplifies the process of logging back on to the FTP server. If you check the "retain password" checkbox at logon time, ISPF/ftp will remember your password and use it when the reconnect button is clicked. Otherwise you are prompted for your password.
   
   
3. Why isn't ISPF/ftp more like "real" ISPF?
   
   Since ISPF/ftp only communicates with the host using FTP commands, there is an inherent limitation as to what commands can be sent to the host. The GUI has been designed to capture the "look and feel" of ISPF, and use the capabilities of FTP to perform most of the functions of TSO ISPF. 
   
   
4. Does ISPF/ftp remember my settings for different User ID's and hosts?
   
   Yes. For every unique combination of hosts and user ID's, ISPF/ftp remembers the unique settings such as PF Key assignments, last used data sets, etc.
   
   
5. Can ISPF/ftp edit hex files?
   
   Not currently. When ISPF/ftp transfers non-ASCII data from the host, it is translated into ASCII before transfer. The ability to edit in hex mode, allowing full hexadecimal editing, is planned for a future release.
   
   
6. Can ISPF/ftp handle migrated datasets?
   
   The latest version of ISPF/ftp does automatically request that migrated MVS datasets be restored. Since MVS FTP does not allow for the retrieval of a full PDS, and drops the connection when that is attempted, ISPF/ftp will attempt a retrieve of a dummy member name when a PDS member list is needed. 
   
   
7. How can I turn on the "debug" option?
   
   There are two ways to turn on the debugging option. The easiest way is to enter the command "debug on" from any command line. However, if debugging is to be set on from the start, first locate the ISPF/ftp properties file in the directory where ISPF/ftp has been installed. Open this file in a text editor. Within the "properties" list there should be a line that says "debug=false". Change it to "debug=true", save the file, and restart ISPF/ftp. All debugging information will then be displayed in the Command Log window, and additional informational dialog boxes will be presented.