Kernel 2.6 based: October 2005 stream

The following applies to latest "October 2005 stream". Note that Linux distributions containing code based on this stream (like Novell SUSE SLES10 and Red Hat RHEL5) have their own documentation on prerequisites. For Linux distributions you may find the webpage on IBM tested Linux environments useful.

IBM service and support is available for

• IBM System z10™ Enterprise Class (z10 EC)
• IBM System z9™ Enterprise Class (z9 EC)
• IBM System z9 Business Class (z9 BC)
• IBM eServer™ zSeries™ 990
• IBM eServer zSeries 890
• IBM eServer zSeries 900
• IBM eServer zSeries 800

for Linux on System z running:

• in LPAR
• as z/VM guest

Starting with the "October 2005 stream" IBM supports only 64-bit distributions; 31-bit applications are supported on the 31-bit emulation layer.
IBM System z™ (or System z, for short) is used on these pages when referring to the above mentioned mainframes.

Back to top

• Hardware requirements
  • An IBM System z configuration with an absolute minimum of 32MB of memory
• Software requirements
  • If you are using Linux as a VM-guest, z/VM Version 5 Release 1 or higher is required

Back to top

Kernel (general)

• Character devices
  • 3215 console
  • 3270 console
  • Integrated Console
  • VMUR - vitual unit-record device driver
• Cryptographic devices
• PCICC (PCI Cryptographic Coprocessor)
• PCICA (PCI Cryptographic Accelerator)
• PCIXCC (PCI-X Cryptographic Coprocessor)
• CEX2C (Crypto Express 2 Coprocessor)
• CEX2A (Crypto Express 2 Accelerator)

Networking

• Network devices
  • LCS: OSA 2: Token Ring, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet
  • LCS: OSA-Express: Ethernet, Fast Ethernet
  • LCS: 2216: Token Ring, Ethernet
  • QDIO: OSA-Express: Gigabit Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, ATM LAN Emulation, High Speed Token Ring, CDLC (OSN)
  • HiperSockets
  • z/VM Guest LAN, z/VM VSWITCH
  • CTCMPC
• Network devices being deprecated with the "October 2005 stream" - no longer recommended/supported:
  • CLAW
  • CTC, virtual and real
  • IUCV network device -- Note that the IUCV-infrastructure is not being deprecated

Storage

• Tape Devices All models of the following IBM Magnetic Tape Subsystem and 100% compatibles
  • IBM 3480
  • IBM 3490
  • IBM 3590
  • IBM 3592
• Block Devices
  • ECKD™ 3380 or 3390 DASDs
  • Expanded Storage
• Additional Block Devices under z/VM
  • VM minidisks
  • Virtual FBA (for native FBA see Restrictions)
  • DCSS
• FCP
  • FCP channels - System z
  • For more information on FCP-attachable devices, please refer to //www.ibm.com/systems/z/connectivity/products/fc.html
• IPL mechanisms
  • 3480, 3490, 3590, 3592 tape units
  • DASD
  • Load from CD-ROM (Hardware Management Console - HMC) or FTP-Server
  • SCSI IPL (requires FCP channels, requires enablement by FC9904)
• Additional IPL mechanisms under z/VM
  • VM reader
  • Kernel NSS

Back to top