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z/OS System Services Structure

This course presents the structure and control blocks of the z/OS BCP and system services. It prepares the new z/OS system programmer to identify potential bottlenecks and performance problems, perform initial error symptom gathering, and identify opportunities and requirements for tailoring an z/OS system. This course also provides prerequisite information needed for further training in specialized areas such as system measurement and tuning and system problem determination.

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Syllabus

Introduction

This unit sets the stage for the remainder of the course. The major functions of a z/OS system are reviewed, with emphasis on the relationships between components. The use of control blocks in an z/OS system is introduced, and basic IBM z System instruction execution and interrupt handling are described.

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Covers fundamentals critical for core mainframe system administrators

Taught by industry experts Jeff Bisti

Examines the structure and control blocks of z/OS BCP and system services

Covers key concepts such as task management, addressability, and input/output supervisor

Provides a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of the z/OS system

May require prior knowledge of mainframe systems and concepts

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Reviews summary

In-depth z/os system services foundation

According to learners, this course offers an incredibly detailed and practical look into z/OS system services, particularly praised for its coverage of Task Management, Storage Management, and Addressability. Students frequently highlight the exceptional instructor depth of knowledge and the value of hands-on labs in solidifying understanding. It's widely considered a fundamental and indispensable course for anyone serious about z/OS system programming, providing a solid foundation that prepares learners for advanced topics and immediate application in their roles. While a few reviewers found some content a bit dry or theoretical, wishing for more real-world troubleshooting examples, the overall consensus points to its comprehensive and crucial nature for professionals. Some noted that prior mainframe familiarity is beneficial.

Benefits learners with existing general mainframe familiarity for optimal learning.

"The course assumes some prior familiarity with general mainframe concepts, so beginners might find it steep without that background."

"This is crucial knowledge for any serious z/OS professional."

Praised for exceptional depth of knowledge and clear explanations.

"The instructor's depth of knowledge was exceptional, making complex topics like Task Management and Storage Management very clear."

"The instructor broke down complex subjects like virtual and real storage management into digestible pieces."

"The material on operating environment initialization was presented very well."

Offers valuable hands-on labs and immediately applicable knowledge.

"I especially appreciated the hands-on labs, which truly solidified my understanding."

"The knowledge gained here is immediately applicable."

"The labs were well-designed and challenging in a good way."

"It perfectly sets the stage for advanced topics and immediate application in my role."

Provides crucial, detailed insights into z/OS BCP and system services.

"This course provided an incredibly detailed and practical look into z/OS system services."

"Excellent course! The control block discussions were detailed and essential."

"Absolutely indispensable for understanding z/OS internals. This is crucial knowledge for any serious z/OS professional."

"I gained a solid foundation from completing this course on z/OS architecture."

A few older reviews suggest the content could benefit from updates.

"The content could use an update for current z/OS versions."

"The production quality of some older videos seemed a bit low compared to newer ones, but the content quality was consistently high."

Strong theoretical foundation, though some desired more troubleshooting scenarios.

"I found some of the explanations a bit dry and theoretical. I wished for more practical application scenarios."

"While the course provides a strong theoretical foundation, I felt it lacked enough real-world troubleshooting examples."

"I felt some parts, especially Addressability, could benefit from more real-world examples beyond just theory."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in z/OS System Services Structure with these activities:

Review the basics of computer architecture

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Reviewing the basics of computer architecture will help you to better understand the underlying hardware and software components of the z/OS system and how they work together.

Browse courses on Computer Architecture

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Read a book or article about computer architecture
Watch a video lecture on computer architecture
Take a practice quiz on computer architecture

Join a study group to discuss z/OS BCP and system services

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Joining a study group will provide you with an opportunity to discuss z/OS BCP and system services with other students, which can help you to better understand the material and identify areas where you need additional support.

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Find a study group that meets your needs
Attend study group meetings regularly
Participate in discussions and ask questions

Practice identifying control blocks using z/OS system macros

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Practicing identifying control blocks using z/OS system macros will strengthen your understanding of the structure and control blocks of the z/OS BCP and system services.

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Install an z/OS simulator on your computer
Use the z/OS simulator to practice issuing system macros
Identify the control blocks that are returned by the system macros

One other activity

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Contribute to an open-source project related to z/OS

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Contributing to an open-source project related to z/OS will give you hands-on experience with the z/OS system and help you to learn how to work with others to develop and maintain software.

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Find an open-source project related to z/OS
Contact the project maintainers to learn how you can contribute
Make a contribution to the project

Career center

Learners who complete z/OS System Services Structure will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Systems Programmer

A Systems Programmer is responsible for developing, maintaining, and optimizing computer operating systems and system software. The z/OS System Services Structure course is highly relevant to a career as a Systems Programmer, providing in-depth knowledge of the internal workings of z/OS, including its structure, control blocks, and system services. This understanding is essential for effectively managing, troubleshooting, and enhancing z/OS systems.

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Mainframe Operator

A Mainframe Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining IBM mainframe computers. The z/OS System Services Structure course is highly relevant to a career as a Mainframe Operator, providing in-depth knowledge of the internal workings of z/OS, including its operation, control, and maintenance. This understanding is essential for effectively managing and troubleshooting z/OS systems.

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Systems Analyst

A Systems Analyst is responsible for analyzing, designing, and implementing computer systems and applications. The z/OS System Services Structure course can be useful for someone looking for a career as a Systems Analyst because the course provides a comprehensive understanding of the architecture and functionality of z/OS, enabling them to effectively design, develop, and maintain complex systems.

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Performance Analyst

A Performance Analyst is responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and optimizing the performance of computer systems and applications. The z/OS System Services Structure course can be useful for someone looking for a career as a Performance Analyst because the course provides a deep understanding of the performance monitoring and tuning capabilities of z/OS, enabling them to effectively identify and resolve performance bottlenecks.

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Technical Support Specialist

A Technical Support Specialist is responsible for providing technical support to users of computer systems and applications. The z/OS System Services Structure course may be useful for someone looking for a career as a Technical Support Specialist because the course provides a deep understanding of the internal workings of z/OS, enabling them to effectively troubleshoot and resolve technical issues.

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Computer Hardware Engineer

A Computer Hardware Engineer is responsible for designing, building, testing, and troubleshooting computer hardware such as processors, memory, and circuit boards. The z/OS System Services Structure course can be useful for someone looking for a career as a Computer Hardware Engineer because the course provides a comprehensive overview of the structure and control blocks of z/OS, enabling them to understand the architecture and operation of computer systems.

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Information Security Analyst

An Information Security Analyst is responsible for protecting computer systems and networks from security threats such as hacking and malware. The z/OS System Services Structure course can be useful for someone looking for a career as an Information Security Analyst because the course provides a solid understanding of the security features and mechanisms of z/OS, enabling them to effectively monitor, respond to, and prevent security incidents.

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Storage Administrator

A Storage Administrator is responsible for managing, monitoring, and optimizing storage systems such as SANs and NASs. The z/OS System Services Structure course may be useful for someone looking for a career as a Storage Administrator because the course provides a deep understanding of the storage management capabilities of z/OS, enabling them to effectively configure, troubleshoot, and manage storage systems.

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Network Administrator

A Network Administrator is responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of computer networks. The z/OS System Services Structure course may be useful for someone looking for a career as a Network Administrator because the course provides a deep understanding of the networking capabilities of z/OS, enabling them to effectively configure, troubleshoot, and optimize network performance.

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Virtualization Administrator

A Virtualization Administrator is responsible for the implementation, management, and optimization of virtualization technologies such as VMware and Hyper-V. The z/OS System Services Structure course may be useful for someone looking for a career as a Virtualization Administrator because the course provides a deep understanding of the underlying virtualization capabilities of z/OS, enabling them to effectively configure, manage, and troubleshoot virtualized environments.

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Database Administrator

A Database Administrator is responsible for the maintenance, configuration, and performance of database systems. The z/OS System Services Structure course may be useful for someone looking for a career as a Database Administrator because the course provides a deep understanding of the underlying structure and functionality of z/OS, enabling them to effectively manage and troubleshoot database systems.

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IT Project Manager

An IT Project Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and managing IT projects. The z/OS System Services Structure course may be useful for someone looking for a career as an IT Project Manager because the course provides a deep understanding of the complexities of z/OS systems, enabling them to effectively manage and coordinate IT projects involving z/OS.

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Data Scientist

A Data Scientist is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to extract meaningful insights and develop predictive models. The z/OS System Services Structure course may be useful for someone looking for a career as a Data Scientist because the course provides a deep understanding of the data management capabilities of z/OS, enabling them to effectively access, process, and analyze large volumes of data.

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Software Engineer

A Software Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. The z/OS System Services Structure course may be useful for someone looking for a career as a Software Engineer because the course provides a deep understanding of the operating system and system services of z/OS, which can be utilized to enhance the performance, reliability, and security of software applications.

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Cloud Architect

A Cloud Architect is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing cloud computing solutions. The z/OS System Services Structure course may be useful for someone looking for a career as a Cloud Architect because the course provides a deep understanding of the underlying infrastructure and services of z/OS, enabling them to effectively design, implement, and manage cloud solutions.

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Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in z/OS System Services Structure.

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Provides general information about z/OS system programming concepts, including topics like ISC, MVS, JCL, and z/OS UNIX. It **must-have** for anyone who wishes to become a mainframe system programmer.

z/OS System Services Structure

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

In-depth z/os system services foundation

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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