Linux on Z and LinuxONE

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Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds in the United States, other countries, or both.

Within this information, 'Linux on Z and LinuxONE', 'Linux on System z' and 'Linux on z Systems' are used synonymously to refer to Linux running on an IBM mainframe system or IBM LinuxONE server.

What is Linux on Z and LinuxONE?

Linux on Z and LinuxONE is the synonym for Linux running on any IBM mainframe or IBM LinuxONE server, including:

  • IBM z14™ (z14) and IBM z14™ Model ZR1 (z14 ZR1)
  • IBM z13® (z13) and IBM z13s™ (z13s)
  • IBM zEnterprise® EC12 (zEC12) and IBM zEnterprise® BC12 (zBC12)
  • IBM zEnterprise 196 (z196) and IBM zEnterprise 114 (z114)
  • IBM System z10™
  • IBM System z9®
  • IBM eServer™ zSeries™ (z990, z890, z900, z800)

and:

  • IBM LinuxONE Emperor II™ (Emperor II)
  • IBM LinuxONE Rockhopper II™ (Rockhopper II)
  • IBM LinuxONE Emperor™ (Emperor)
  • IBM LinuxONE Rockhopper™ (Rockhopper)

Linux on Z and LinuxONE exploits the strengths and reliability features of the IBM mainframe and IBM LinuxONE server hardware, while preserving the openness and stability of Linux.
For more information refer to the Linux on Z homepage at: ibm.com/systems/z/linux

Linux distributions for Z and LinuxONE are offered by Linux distribution partners (Canonical, Red Hat, and SUSE) who provide services and support.
Also, IBM offers services for all eligible Linux distributions for Z and LinuxONE and support for the distributions from Red Hat and SUSE.
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.

What information is provided?

The information ins intended for system programmers:

  • Some information is specific to Linux on Z and LinuxONE distributions.
  • The "Development stream" information documents new functionality in upstream Linux packages for Linux on Z and LinuxONE, 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 and LinuxONE functionality (instead of the current upstream "Development stream"). These old streams are still available in the "Archive".
  • The "Distribution hints" provide additional information for recent distributions.
  • The "Tuning hints & tips" contain a collection of observations and recommendations from the Linux on Z and LinuxONE Performance Team.
  • The "Documentation" information provides the links to the IBM documentation for the Linux on Z and LinuxONE distributions.