IBM's AS/400 is powering an ever-expanding number of client-server networks, and users are constantly looking for pain-free ways to create new programs and commands, customize existing software, and jump-start performance. This authoritative book will help you tackle a wide array of systems software development and maintenance tasks with ease and confidence. From basic skills through advanced concepts, you'll go inside the AS/400 to quickly master tips and techniques unavailable anywhere else. Whether you're working with a basic CISC-based AS/400 or one of the new red-hot RISC models, you will discover how to cut development time, shave costs, and advance your career. After benefiting from a comprehensive introduction to systems programming, you'll learn how to create your own commands, use the tricks of performance programmers, utilize iron-clad system security tools, accelerate database jobs, analyze and boost system performance, streamline system configuration, and tame unruly APIs. Plus - you'll have instant access to the important internal AS/400 files and their layouts, as well as a complete list of all APIs and their functions. Additionally, all commands and sources featured in the book are included on an accompanying diskette.