Today, there are versions of Linux that run on almost every hardware platform - including IBM's System z machines. Although Linux proponents insist simply that "Linux is Linux" (meaning it's the same on every platform) there are subtle differences, from an administrative perspective, among the various platforms and distributions of Linux.

Linux can run natively on System z machines, but in reality the vast majority of shops run Linux on z under z/VM as the host platform. The reasons for running Linux under z/VM are many:

• CPU cycles, memory, storage devices, and network adapters can be shared among the Linux images running on the same z/VM system
  
• Running tens or hundreds of Linux instances on a single System z server offers customers savings in space and personnel required to manage real hardware
  
• Running multiple Linux instances on a single machine also significantly reduces power needs and generated heat output from hardware
  
• Linux guest(s) can transparently take advantage of z/VM support for System z hardware architecture and RAS features
  
• z/VM's long-standing support for scheduling, automation, performance monitoring and reporting, and virtual machine management is available for Linux virtual machines as well

Although the Linux software is itself free of charge, most organizations purchase a "distribution" from one of the main suppliers. These suppliers charge for support, documentation, consulting, and so on.

The Trainer's Friend has set up a partnership with VM Assist to combine our background, knowledge, and experience in order to provide Linux training to installations running Linux on IBM System z machines. The Trainer's Friend brings the training expertise and VM Assist brings the z/VM and Linux on z expertise. 

Our current focus is the course named above:

z/VM, CMS, and Linux for System z Basics - is designed to help the z/OS systems programmer install and adminster z/VM as host and Linux as guest on System z hardware. This course is also appropriate for UNIX and Linux systems administrators  who need an introduction to working in the Linux under z/VM environment. It is also useful for applications staff who need an introduction to z/VM or Linux on z.

We will be enhancing the curriculum regularly.