Linux On The Mainframe

This is the comprehensive guide to Linux on the mainframe straight from the IBM Linux experts. The book covers virtualization, security, systems management, and more.

This IBM® Redbooks® publication shows the power of IBM System z® virtualization and flexibility in sharing resources in a flexible production environment. In this book, we outline the planning and setup of Linux on System z to move from a development or test environment into production. As an example, we use one logical partition (LPAR) with shared CPUs with memory for a production environment and another LPAR that shares some CPUs, but also has a dedicated one for production. Running in IBM z/VM® mode allows for virtualization of servers and based on z/VM shares, can prioritize and control their resources. The size of the LPAR or z/VM resources depends on the workload and the applications that run that workload. We examine a typical web server environment, Java applications, and describe it by using a database management system, such as IBM DB2®. Network decisions are examined with regards to VSWITCH, shared Open Systems Adapter (OSA), IBM HiperSocketsTM and the HiperPAV, or FCP/SCSI attachment used with a storage area network (SAN) Volume Controller along with performance and throughput expectations. The intended audience for this IBM Redbooks publication is IT architects who are responsible for planning production environments and IT specialists who are responsible for implementation of production environments.

This IBM IBM Redbooks publication describes how to setup your own Linux virtual servers on IBM zSeries and System z9 under z/VM . It adopts a cookbook format that provides a clearly documented set of procedures for installing and configuring z/VM in an LPAR and then installing and customizing Linux. You need a zSeries logical partition (LPAR) with associated resources, z/VM 5.2 media, and a Linux distribution. This book is based on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9 (SLES9) for zSeries and we address both 31-bit and 64-bit distributions. In addition, there are a few associated REXX EXECs and Linux scripts to help speed up the process. These tools are not IBM products nor formally supported. However, they are informally supported. They are available on the Web. In this book, we assume that you have a general familiarity with zSeries technology and terminology. We do not assume an in-depth understanding of z/VM and Linux. This book is written for those who want to get a quick start with z/VM and Linux on the mainframe.

This IBM® Redbooks® publication is based on the book Introduction to the New Mainframe: z/OS Basics, SG24-6366, which was produced by the International Technical Support Organization (ITSO), Poughkeepsie Center. It provides students of information systems technology with the background knowledge and skills necessary to begin using the basic facilities of a mainframe computer. For optimal learning, students are assumed to have successfully completed an introductory course in computer system concepts, such as computer organization and architecture, operating systems, data management, or data communications. They should also have successfully completed courses in one or more programming languages, and be PC literate. This textbook can also be used as a prerequisite for courses in advanced topics, or for internships and special studies. It is not intended to be a complete text covering all aspects of mainframe operation. It is also not a reference book that discusses every feature and option of the mainframe facilities. Others who can benefit from this course include experienced data processing professionals who have worked with non-mainframe platforms, or who are familiar with some aspects of the mainframe but want to become knowledgeable with other facilities and benefits of the mainframe environment. As we go through this course, we suggest that the instructor alternate between text, lecture, discussions, and hands-on exercises. Many of the exercises are cumulative, and are designed to show the student how to design and implement the topic presented. The instructor-led discussions and hands-on exercises are an integral part of the course, and can include topics not covered in this textbook. In this course, we use simplified examples and focus mainly on basic system functions. Hands-on exercises are provided throughout the course to help students explore the mainframe style of computing. At the end of this course, you will be familiar with the following information: Basic concepts of the mainframe, including its usage and architecture Fundamentals of IBM z/VSE® (VSE), an IBM zTM Systems entry mainframe operating system (OS) An understanding of mainframe workloads and the major middleware applications in use on mainframes today The basis for subsequent course work in more advanced, specialized areas of z/VSE, such as system administration or application programming

This textbook provides students with the background knowledge and skills necessary to begin using the basic functions and features of z/VM Version 5, Release 3. It is part of a series of textbooks designed to introduce students to mainframe concepts and help prepare them for a career in large systems computing. For optimal learning, students are assumed to be literate in personal computing and have some computer science or information systems background. Others who will benefit from this textbook include z/OS professionals who would like to expand their knowledge of other aspects of the mainframe computing environment. This course can be used as a prerequisite to understanding Linux on System z. After reading this textbook and working through the exercises, the student will have received a basic understanding of the following topics: The Series z Hardware concept and the history of the mainframe Virtualization technology in general and how it is exploited by z/VM Operating systems that can run as guest systems under z/VM z/VM components The z/VM control program and commands The interactive environment under z/VM, CMS and its commands z/VM planning and administration Implementing the networking capabilities of z/VM Tools to monitor the performance of z/VM systems and guest operating systems The REXX programming language and CMS pipelines Security issues when running z/VM

This IBM Redbook provides students of information systems technology with the background knowledge and skills necessary to begin using the basic facilities of a mainframe computer. It is the first in a planned series of textbooks designed to introduce students to mainframe concepts and help prepare them for a career in large systems computing. For optimal learning, students are assumed to have successfully completed an introductory course in computer system concepts, such as computer organization and architecture, operating systems, data management, or data communications. They should also have successfully completed courses in one or more programming languages, and be PC literate. This textbook can also be used as a prerequisite for courses in advanced topics or for internships and special studies. It is not intended to be a complete text covering all aspects of mainframe operation, nor is it a reference book that discusses every feature and option of the mainframe facilities. Others who will benefit from this course include experienced data processing professionals who have worked with non-mainframe platforms, or who are familiar with some aspects of the mainframe but want to become knowledgeable with other facilities and benefits of the mainframe environment. As we go through this course, we suggest that the instructor alternate between text, lecture, discussions, and hands-on exercises. Many of the exercises are cumulative, and are designed to show the student how to design and implement the topic presented. The instructor-led discussions and hands-on exercises are an integral part of the course material, and can include topics not covered in this textbook. This book is also offered with a textbook cover instead of a redbook cover in PDF and hardcopy formats. Download PDF of book with textbook cover (6.0MB) Order hardcopy of book with textbook cover Note: The contents of the book are identical in both the textbook and redbook versions except for the covers.

This IBM Redbooks publication discusses running Linux under z/VM on IBM System z9 and zSeries platforms. We describe enhancements available in z/VM Version 5.1. The intended audience for this book is IT administrators responsible for installing and configuring z/VM 5.1 systems running Linux guests. Using Fibre Channel Protocol (FCP), z/VM 5/1 can be installed on and operate from SCSI disks. Configured as emulated Fixed Block Architecture (FBA) disks, z/VM 5.1 can use FCP-attached disks for its system paging, spooling, directory, and minidisks. z/VM 5.1 adds new functions for Virtual Switches (VSWITCH). For increased network security, guests must have authorization before connecting to a VSWITCH. z/VM 5.1 introduces VSWITCH Layer 2 support. Operating at Layer 2, a VSWITCH delivers and receives network traffic in Ethernet frames. This provides the ability to handle non-IP protocols such as SNA, NetBIOS, and IPX. In addition, Layer 2 support reduces network latency and CPU overhead.