> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://lbdsoftware.gitbook.io/abcs-of-z-os-and-more/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://lbdsoftware.gitbook.io/abcs-of-z-os-and-more/introduction-to-ibm-mainframes.md).

# Introduction to IBM Mainframes

IBM has released two Redbook series entitled the "ABCs of Systems Programming". One is a five volume set for OS/390 Systems Programming and the other is a 13 volume set. The stated goal of the volumes are: "to introduce the structure of OS/390, z/OS, and S/390 operating environment. The set will help you install, tailor, and configure an OS/390 operating system, and is intended for system programmers who are new to an OS/390 or z/OS environment."&#x20;

These volumes, and more, can be found at [http://www.redbooks.ibm.com](http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/) or read the individual books at:

[**IBM z/OS Basic Skills Education (Free)** ](https://www.ibm.com/support/knowledgecenter/en/zosbasics/com.ibm.zos.zmainframe/toc.htm)\
\
This is a free online education from IBM that looks very worthwhile for both the new to z/OS systems programmer and the old timer looking to refresh their skills (or learn something new)

### [z/OS Introduction Classes](http://dtsc.dfw.ibm.com/MVSDS/'HTTPD2.APPS.ZOSCLASS.SHTML\(ZOSCLASS\)')

Check out numerous free classes from IBM and then challenge yourself with the [Quiz](http://dtsc.dfw.ibm.com/MVSDS/'HTTPD2.APPS.ZOSCLASS.PDF\(QUIZ\)').

[**z/OS Introduction - an IBM Redbooks Video**](https://www.redbooks.ibm.com/redbooks.nsf/redbookabstracts/crse0304.html?Open)

This series of short educational videos teaches you about the IBM Z environment. The IBM Z mainframe is essential technology of large enterprises handling critical data and services every second of every day. While the IBM mainframe initially transformed business during past decades, IBM Z mainframe technology advancements provide limitless potential to enable future business transformation.

&#x20;             *ABCs of z/OS Systems Programming*

Volume 1   [Intro to z/OS and Storage concepts, TSO/E, ISPF, JCL ](http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg246981.html)\
Volume 2   [z/OS Implementation and Maintenance](http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg246982.html)\
Volume 3   [Intro to DFSMS and Storage Management](http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg246983.html)\
Volume 4   [Communication Server, TCP/IP, and VTAM](https://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg246984.html)\
Volume 5   [Base and Parallel Sysplex, Logger, GRS, Operations, ARM](http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg246985.html)\
Volume 6   [RACF, PKI, LDAP, Crypto, Kerberos and Firewall](http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg246986.html)\
Volume 7   [InfoPrint Server, LE, and SMP/E](http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg246987.html)\
Volume 8   [z/OS Problem Diagnosis](http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg246988.html)\
Volume 9   [z/OS, UNIX System Services](http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg246989.html)\
Volume 10 [Intro to Z, LPAR, and HCD](http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg246990.html)\
Volume 11 [Capacity planning, performance management, RMF, and SMF](http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg246327.html)\
Volume 12 [WLM](http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/Redbooks.nsf/RedpieceAbstracts/sg247621.html?Open)\
Volume 13 [JES3](http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/Redbooks.nsf/RedpieceAbstracts/sg247717.html)             &#x20;

*For zNextGen and others who want an Introduction*&#x20;

[Introduction to the New Mainframe: z/OS Basics](http://publibz.boulder.ibm.com/zoslib/pdf/zosbasic.pdf)\
and\
[Introduction to the New Mainframe: z/VM Basics](http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg247316.html)

\
&#x20;              *ABCs of OS/390 Systems Programming (historical)*

Volume 1   <http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg245597.html>\
Volume 2   <http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg245652.html>\
Volume 3   [http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg245853.html](http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg245653.html)\
Volume 4   <http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg245654.html>\
Volume 5   <http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg245655.html>\
\
Something old that I ran across that is no longer available online:

{% file src="/files/yxxXSRBWvnJu8RRTGMUL" %}

IBM has made available the [IBM Systems Journals](http://www.research.ibm.com/journal/sjimg.html) electronically - check them out.

Another historical item\
&#x20;![](https://442742651-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FW0OcyiAr6stK0RpT7BAX%2Fuploads%2FTfzlYpuOL2CJvPYGAXWH%2Fos360.jpg?alt=media\&token=dec5868b-6494-4c02-95cd-2b1418f620f9)
