Get Ready: Talk Like a Mainframer
An introductory overview of more than 30 key terms used in mainframe management.
Last updated
An introductory overview of more than 30 key terms used in mainframe management.
Last updated
Ready to embark on the journey of becoming a mainframer? Fantastic! To kickstart your exploration, let's begin by unraveling the language of the mainframe world.
In the video below, titled "Talk Like a Mainframer," we'll guide you through 33 popular terms that seasoned mainframers use in their daily discourse. Whether you're a budding enthusiast or a seasoned pro, understanding this unique lexicon is key to navigating the intricate landscape of mainframe technology.
For your reference, here are the terms mentioned in the video above:
z/OS: A widely used operating system for IBM mainframe computers that uses 64-bit central storage. A descendant of the IBM 360, 370 XA, and 390 ESA MVS which were 24 and 32-bit operating systems.
Abend: Term for abnormal ends associated with a job or task. Not a crisis; return codes or reason codes aid troubleshooting.
Syslog (System Log): Contains dumps and messages on consoles.
Job Log: Provides information before and after an abnormal end, aiding analysis.
ACK: acknowledgment field. Shorthand confirmation is commonly used in developer conversations.
APARs (Authorized program analysis reports): Identifies bugs and progresses through temporary fixes to the final Program Temporary Fix (PTF).
Batch Jobs: Automated tasks, often scheduled during low-usage times for activities like report generation.
BCP (Base Control Program): Core of z/OS, residing in the central electronic complex, aka the "Box" or "Keck."
CICS (Customer Information Control System). Middleware subsystem optimizing high transaction volumes.
CEC (Central Electronic Complex): Houses core mainframe hardware components, often referred to as the "Keck" or "Box."
Sysprogs: A systems programmer. Manage the mainframe, handling tasks like installing products, dealing with JCL, and ensuring smooth operations.
Concurrent Upgrades: Allow dynamic updates without rebooting.
Coupling Facility: Ensures data consistency across parallel systems.
IMS (Information Management System): Legacy subsystem.
ESM (External Security Manager): Handles security for products, including ACF2, Top Secret, and RACF.
Fiber Channel: Communication channel.
OSA (Open Systems Adapter): a Network Interface Card (NIC)
GDPS (Global Data Processing Services): High-end solution for disaster recovery.
Parallel Sysflex: Facilitates parallel systems, often referred to as a "Plex."
HMC (Hardware Management Console): Desktop gateway to the mainframe.
ISPF (Interactive System Productivity Facility): Provides a terminal interface for system management.
JCL (Job Control Language): Simplifies job creation.
LPARs (Logical Partitions): Allow logical segmentation of a single mainframe into multiple systems.
LIC (Licensed Internal Code): Mainframe firmware.
MSUs (Millions of Service Units): Measure processing capacity.
MIPS (Million Instructions Per Second): Measure processing capacity.
PAX Files: Essential for installing products.
SMP (System Modification Program): Controls changes to the operating system.
SMF Records: Record types, particularly "Type 89" for SCRT (Sub-Capacity Reporting Tool).
SCRT (Sub-Capacity Reporting Tool): Crucial for usage reporting.
Type 89 Record: Part of SMF Records, specifically for SCRT.
z/VM: z Virtual Machine used to run other z/VMs or operating systems.
SAF (Security Access Facility): Standard universal security API in z/Systems to enable security calls to the ESM access control products.
RACROUTE: Standard security program instruction used to invoke the SAF API security calls to the ESM(s).