This section describes some of the Version 7 enhancements that make DB2 Universal Database even easier to use.
DB2 Universal Database provides launchpads to assist you with some of your DB2 tasks.
When you insert the DB2 Universal Database Version 7 product CD-ROM, the auto-run feature no longer takes you to the first screen in the DB2 setup program. Instead, it initiates the DB2 Launchpad. The DB2 Launchpad is a window that gives you the following options:
The DB2 Launchpad gives you access to needed information from the CD-ROM before starting a DB2 installation.
The first time you open the Data Warehouse Center, the Warehouse Launchpad also opens. This launchpad simplifies the job of populating a warehouse by leading you through the related tasks. You can use the launchpad whenever you need to create warehouse objects by selecting it from the Data Warehouse Center menu.
In Version 7, the First Steps tool that is used to create and view the SAMPLE database on a DB2 server has been extended to allow client options. On a client, you have the option to connect to the SAMPLE database (using the Client Configuration Assistant) or create a SAMPLE database on a remote DB2 server.
You can also create sample databases for warehousing and online analytical processing (OLAP). You will need these databases for the Business Intelligence tutorial (see Business Intelligence Tutorial).
As First Steps is a Java application, it can be used on all DB2-supported operating systems, provided that the appropriate Java Run-Time Environment (JRE) is installed on the workstation. Refer to the DB2 Universal Database Quick Beginnings manuals for your operating system for more information.
The DB2 Universal Database Quick Tour is a high-level presentation that, in a short time (20 to 25 minutes), introduces you to changes, features, benefits, capabilities, and sources of information associated with DB2 Universal Database. It has a special emphasis on e-business, business intelligence (BI), and data management. The Quick Tour navigation is flexible, giving you control over your learning experience.
The Information Center, accessible by selecting Help --> Information Center from the Control Center, is now easier to use. In the Information Center you can now view information by subject or by category. The Information Center now contains a link to search the entire DB2 library.
All wizards (called SmartGuides in previous versions) have a new look with a Table of Contents (TOC) on the left side. You can resize the TOC to make it larger so that all text can be displayed or hidden altogether. (Some wizards contain an Introduction page that introduces the wizard and a Summary page that summarizes the information that has been entered).
Help or instructions can be found on each page of the wizard, in the infopops for each field or control, and in the links that are identified as underlined text. A Hints feature is also available.
When you have a comment about the information you're reading, you can now send it directly to the DB2 Universal Database team.
From any HTML DB2 document (books or online help), you can click the Feedback link in the top frame of your browser. This takes you to a form on the World Wide Web where you can submit issues regarding the DB2 Universal Database documentation.
| Note: | The DB2 Universal Database team will read all your feedback but cannot respond directly to you. Use normal channels to reach Customer Support or Customer Service. |