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Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds in the United States, other countries, or both.
Within this web page, 'Linux on System z' and 'Linux on z Systems' are used synonymously to refer to Linux running on an IBM mainframe system.
What is Linux ?
Linux is an operating system whose kernel was developed by Linus Torvalds and initially distributed in 1991. Linux has evolved to become a widely accepted operating system with a wealth of applications. Today, many Linux distributions also contain a variety of tools and utilities provided by the open source community (e.g., from the GNU project). Linux is platform-independent and executes on many architectures, including IBM z Systems™, IBM Power Systems™, Intel®, Alpha®, or Sparc®. Linux is Open Source software which means that the source code may be downloaded free of charge. You can learn more about Open Source on www.opensource.org.
Although the source code is free, only system programmers build their own distributions. For production purposes, Linux distributions built by Linux distribution partners are used.
What is Linux on z Systems ?
Linux on z Systems is the synonym for Linux running on any IBM mainframe, including:
- IBM z13™ (z13)
- IBM zEnterprise™ EC12 (zEC12)
- IBM zEnterprise BC12 (zBC12)
- IBM zEnterprise 196 (z196)
- IBM zEnterprise 114 (z114)
- IBM System z10™
- IBM System z9®
- IBM eServer™ zSeries™ (z990, z890, z900, z800)
Linux on z Systems exploits the strengths and reliability features of the z Systems hardware, while preserving the openness and stability of Linux.
For more information refer to the Linux on z Systems homepage at: ibm.com/systems/z/os/linux
Linux on z Systems distributions are offered by Linux distribution partners (Red Hat and SUSE) who provide services and support.
IBM offers consulting services, defect and remote technical support for all eligible generally available distributions of Linux for z Systems.
For more information, please contact your IBM representative or business partner or call 1-800-426-4968 (U.S.) or the appropriate IBM number in your region.
Why developerWorks pages for Linux on z Systems ?
These pages are provided to describe Linux on z Systems functionality for system programmers. Some of the information is useful for users of Linux on z Systems distributions.
- The "Development stream" pages document what new functionality in upstream Linux packages is developed for Linux on z Systems, which will be integrated into distributions over time.
The documentation provided for the development stream does not match any Linux distribution but can be used to learn about the functionality.
Note that until early 2008, arbitrary streams were used as a base for documenting Linux on z Systems functionality (instead of the current upstream "Development stream"). These old streams are still available in the "Archive". - The "Distribution hints" pages provide additional information for recent distributions.
- The "Tuning hints & tips" pages contain a collection of observations and recommendations from the Linux on z Systems Performance Team.
