This IBM Redbooks publication discusses z/VM and Linux operations from the perspective of the z/OS programmer or system programmer. Although other books have been written about many of these topics, this book gives enough information about each topic to describe z/VM and Linux on IBM System z operations to somebody who is new to both environments. This book is intended for z/OS programmers and system programmers who are transitioning to the z/VM and Linux on System z environments and who want a translation guide for assistance. We base this book on our experiences using System z10 Enterprise Edition, z/VM version 5.3 RSU 0701, and Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) 10 on System z.

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

Linux on System z offers many advantages to customers who rely on the IBM® mainframe systems to run their businesses. Linux on System z makes use of the qualities of service in the System z® hardware and in z/VM®, making it a robust industrial strength Linux. This provides an excellent platform for hosting Oracle solutions that run in your enterprise. This IBM Redbooks® publication is divided into several sections to share the following experiences that are gained while Oracle Database 11gR2 is installed and tested: Setting up Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 for Oracle Managing an Oracle on Linux on System z environment Provisioning Linux guests using several tools It also includes many general hints and tips for running Oracle products on IBM System z with Linux and z/VM. Interested readers include database consultants, installers, administrators, and system programmers. This book is not meant to replace Oracle documentation but to supplement it with our experiences while Oracle products are installed and used.