This course provides an examination of z/OS for systems programmers, operators and application programmers. Topics include an introduction to the z/series systems hardware and an exploration of z/OS architecture, system services and functions, storage management mechanisms, and I/O processes. In particular the focus will be to explore the operation of the z/OS environment with an objective of understanding its performance and exploitation opportunities.

Mainframe Training Audience

System programmers, operators, and application programmers that need an understanding of the z/OS environment and the subsystems supported.

Mainframe Training Course duration

5 days

Mainframe Training Course outline

System Basics
	Examine how data is represented in computers, using binary, hexadecimal, and decimal Introduction to memory addresses and basic instruction operation Explore the role of the PSW in machine operations Introduce basic computer hardware inventory: CPU, Memory, and I/O devices
Programs
	Examine basic program structure. Introduction to Linkage Editor functions Illustrate connection between data, JCL and programs Introduction to basic TSO/ISPF and SDSF
History and Overview of z/OS
	Evolution of operating systems from MVT/MFT to OS/390 and z/OS. Examining LPARs and parallel sysplex configurations.
The IPL Process
	Review the IPL process Steps in systems initialization
System Services and PARMLIB
	Interrupts and interrupt handling PARMLIB definitions related to system functions System Address spaces
Storage Management Mechanisms
	Real storage management:           Central and expanded storage usage Virtual storage management:           Paging/Swapping mechanisms Auxiliary storage management
Task Management
	Review of initiator/terminator functions Address spaces and task control
I/O Processing
	Introduction to DASD hardware functions:           CKD, ECKD, and FBA devices           Parallel Access Volumes (PAV)           Volume Affinity Components of I/O operation:           Introduction to channel command processing Access method services Caching mechanisms
Access Methods and Data Bases
	Data set organization and access methods:           Sequential access (SAM)           Basic Partitioned Access (BPAM)           Basic Direct Access (BDAM)           VSAM processing (ESDS, KSDS, RRDS) Introduction to data base processing concepts
Resource Management
	Examine basic objectives in managing system resources Explore the process of defining objectives Discuss the process WLM uses to make decisions and monitoring requirements Scheduling environments Intelligent Resource Director
System Managed Storage
	Introduce DFSMS concepts Review SMS components
Introduction to Basic Communication Services
	Basic networking and configurations TCP/IP overview and function VTAM/SNA overview and function
Introduction to z/OS Subsystems and Services
	Overview of JES2 operation and function Introduction and overview to CICS and IMS Additional subsystems including:           Unix System Services (USS)           Security           Performance Management Software           Diagnostics and Debugging Software

Workstations will be used to illustrate concepts and provide basic exposure to the elements of the z/OS environment.