Introduction to the New Mainframe - z/OS Basics - Part 1 - Introduction to z/OS and the mainframe environment

Sep 17, 2026

A structured introduction to IBM mainframe technology and the z/OS operating system, covering core mainframe concepts, system usage, and architectural foundations. The material explains mainframe hardware and peripheral devices, then expands into a learning pathway for students and beginners. Early chapters outline what a mainframe is, who uses it, typical workloads, and how z/OS relates to other operating systems. It also begins the curriculum for interactive facilities and key system capabilities, supporting review questions and discussion topics.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryTechnology

FormatPDF

Pages792

Reading Time33 h 16 min

AccessFree to download

Notices

Trademarks

Preface

Contents

Part 1. Introduction to z/OS and the mainframe environment

Chapter 1. Introduction to the new mainframe

Chapter 2. Mainframe hardware systems and high availability

Chapter 3. z/OS overview

Chapter 4. TSO/E, ISPF, and UNIX: Interactive facilities of z/OS

Introduction to the New Mainframe z/OS Basics Basic mainframe concepts, including usage and architecture z/OS fundamentals for students and beginners Mainframe hardware and peripheral devices Mike Ebbers John Kettner Wayne O’Brien Bill Ogden [ibm.com](ibm.com/redbooks)[/redbooks](ibm.com/redbooks) International Technical Support Organization Introduction to the New Mainframe: z/OS Basics March 2011 Note: Before using this information and the product it supports, read the information in“Notices” on page xi. Third Edition (March 2011) © Copyright International Business Machines Corporation 2006, 2009, 2011. All rights reserved. Note to U.S. Government Users Restricted Rights-- Use, duplication or disclosure restricted by GSA ADP Schedule Contract with IBM Corp. Contents Notices ....................................................... xi Trademarks ................................................... xii Preface ...................................................... xiii How this text is organized ........................................ xiv How each chapter is organized .................................... xiv The team who wrote this book ..................................... xv Acknowledgements ............................................. xvi Now you can become a published author, too! ........................ xix Comments welcome ............................................. xix Stay connected to IBM Redbooks .................................. xix Summary of changes ........................................... xxi March 2011, Third Edition ........................................ xxi August 2009, Second Edition ...................................... xxi Part 1. Introduction to z/OS and the mainframe environment Chapter 1. Introduction to the new mainframe ....................... 3 1.1 The new mainframe ........................................... 4 1.2 The System/360: A turning point in mainframe history ................ 4 1.3 An evolving architecture ....................................... 5 1.4 Mainframes in our midst ....................................... 8 1.5 What is a mainframe .......................................... 9 1.6 Who uses mainframe computers ................................ 12 1.7 Factors contributing to mainframe use ........................... 15 1.8 Typical mainframe workloads .................................. 22 1.9 Roles in the mainframe world .................................. 29 1.10 z/OS and other mainframe operating systems .................... 37 1.11 Introducing the IBM zEnterprise System ......................... 40 1.12 Summary ................................................. 41 1.13 Questions for review ........................................ 42 1.14 Topics for further discussion .................................. 42 Chapter 2. Mainframe hardware systems and high availability ........ 45 2.1 Introduction to mainframe hardware systems ...................... 46 2.2 Early system design ......................................... 47 2.3 Current design .............................................. 50 2.4 Processing units ............................................ 59 © Copyright IBM Corp. 2006, 2009, 2011. All rights reserved. iii 2.5 Multiprocessors ............................................. 62 2.6 Disk devices ............................................... 63 2.7 Clustering ................................................. 65 2.8 Basic shared DASD.......................................... 66 2.9 What is a sysplex ........................................... 69 2.10 Intelligent Resource Director .................................. 75 2.11 Platform Performance Management with zEnterprise ............... 76 2.12 Typical mainframe system growth .............................. 77 2.13 Continuous availability of mainframes ........................... 78 2.14 Summary ..............

FAQs

What topics are covered in the new mainframe and z/OS basics introduction?

The material covers mainframe concepts, z/OS fundamentals, mainframe hardware and peripheral devices, and core operating system and facility overviews.

How is the content organized for learners?

It is organized by parts and chapters, with each chapter including structured sections plus review questions and topics for further discussion.

What does the z/OS overview section include?

It covers what an operating system is, what z/OS is, z/OS facilities, workload management, data and I/O management, supervisory execution, and system and product messages.

Sep 17, 2026

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