Which command allows a Linux on iSeries administrator to quickly scan backup tapes for files that were saved by the tar command on a Linux system?

Introduction / Context:
This question involves system administration for Linux running on IBM iSeries hardware. When Linux saves files to tape using tar, administrators may want to scan those tapes from the IBM i partition without restoring everything. Understanding which OS/400 command provides a summary of tape contents is important for efficient management.

Given Data / Assumptions:

Linux on iSeries has written backups to tape using the tar command.

The administrator is now working from the IBM i or OS/400 environment.

The goal is to quickly see what files are on the tape without full restore.

Standard IBM i commands for tape handling are available.

Concept / Approach:
On IBM i, the DSPTAP command displays information about what is saved on a tape. When used with option(*SAVRST), DSPTAP shows save and restore information, effectively listing objects written by previous save operations. This is more suitable for scanning tape contents than RST, which is used to restore data, or Linux utilities that expect direct access to the tape device from a Linux environment.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Recognize that the question is framed from the perspective of an iSeries administrator using OS/400 commands. 2. Consider DSPTAP, which is designed specifically to display tape contents and save information. 3. Note that using option(*SAVRST) on DSPTAP asks the system to show save and restore entries, which correspond to files saved via tar streams. 4. Understand that RST with option(*PRINT) focuses on restore operations, not on summarizing tape contents without restore. 5. Recognize that mt and cpio are Linux commands, not OS/400 tape catalog commands, and thus do not match the scenario.

Verification / Alternative check:
IBM i documentation for DSPTAP explains the meaning of option(*SAVRST). Running DSPTAP DEV(tap01) DATA(*SAVRST) in a test environment will show a list of save operations that can be matched to tar or other save utilities.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
mt is primarily used for controlling tape devices under Linux, such as rewinding or spacing files, and is not the requested OS/400 interface.
cpio is another archive program and is not suited to viewing tar saved tapes from OS/400 without special handling.
RST with option(*PRINT) focuses on printing restore summaries and is not as direct or convenient for simply scanning tape contents.

Common Pitfalls:
Administrators may default to thinking of Linux commands when they see the word tar, but in mixed environments it is important to choose tools from the platform where you are working. Another pitfall is confusing restore operations with display operations, which can lead to accidental restores instead of simple inspection.

Final Answer:
The correct command is DSPTAP with option(*SAVRST) on the OS/400 system.