Abstract
This chapter gives basic information about the system requirements, like supported hardware, level of MicroCode, and software. It also covers the different installation types, how to do an IPL for the first installation, and information about the IOCDS.
This section provides a list of hardware for IBM System z supported by SUSE® Linux Enterprise Server. Next, the level of the MicroCode (MCL) used in your IBM System z system, which is very important for the installation, is covered. Additional software to install and use for installation is mentioned at the end of this section.
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server has run successfully on the following platforms:
IBM eServer zSeries 800 (z800) 2066
IBM eServer zSeries 890 (z890) 2086
IBM eServer zSeries 900 (z900) 2064
IBM eServer zSeries 990 (z990) 2084
IBM eServer Series z9 (z9-EC) 2094
IBM eServer Series z9 (z9-BC) 2096
IBM Series z10 (z10-EC) 2097
IBM Series z10 (z10-BC) 2098
Different installation methods have different memory requirements during installation. After installation is completed, the system administrator may reduce memory to the desired size. SUSE recommends using:
|
768 MB |
For installation under z/VM. |
|
1 GB |
For installation under LPAR. |
![[Note]](admon/note.png) | Memory Requirements with Remote Installation Sources |
|---|---|
For installation from NFS, FTP, or SMB installation sources or whenever VNC is used, 512MB of memory is required as a minimum. Otherwise, the installation attempt is likely to fail. Further note that the number of devices visible to the z/VM guest or LPAR image affects memory requirements. Installation with literally hundreds of accessible devices (even if unused for the installation) may require more memory. | |
2 GB disk space is required for the installation of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server.
A network connection is needed to communicate with your SUSE Linux Enterprise Server system. This can be one or more of the following connections or network cards:
OSA-2 (Token Ring and Ethernet, only available on z900)
OSA Express Ethernet (including Fast and Gigabit Ethernet)
OSA Express High-Speed Token Ring (only available on z800, z900, z890, and z990)
HiperSockets or Guest LAN
10 GBE, VSWITCH
The following interfaces are still included, but no longer supported:
CTC (or virtual CTC)
ESCON
IP network interface for IUCV
For an LPAR installation, the option is the preferred way to IPL the installation kernel and initrd (initial RAM disk). If this option is not available and you cannot use z/VM for installing the system, you need to IPL from a channel attached tape with the tapeipl kernel, the parmfile, and the initrd. Thus, you need access to a tape unit (3480, 3490, or 3590, for example).
This release of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server is based on the October 2005 codestream from IBM developerWorks (http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/linux/linux390/october2005_technical.html). The restrictions and requirements listed at the Web site also apply for this release of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, except where stated differently in this manual.
It is recommended always to use the highest service level available. For installation under VM, you need at least z/VM 4.2 with service level 0103. To use HiperSockets under VM on z900 (2064), you need MicroCode EC E26949 level 013 or higher. For an IPL from SCSI on z900, you need SCSI enabler MCL, feature code 9904, EC J12811.
For the installation of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server on IBM System z, the MicroCode levels and z/VM APARs outlined in the following are required.
- zSeries 990
Driver 52G, EC, J12558 at level 116 or later
- zSeries 890
Driver 52G, EC, J12558 at level 116 or later
- zSeries 900
Driver 3G, OSA microcode level 3.0A
MCLs: J11204.007 and J11204.008 (available May 3, 2002)
- zSeries 900
Driver 3C, OSA microcode level 2.26
MCLs: J10630.013 and J10630.014 (available May 20, 2002)
- zSeries 800
Driver 3G, OSA microcode level 3.0A
MCLs: J11204.007 and J11204.008 (available May 3, 2002)
To install SUSE Linux Enterprise Server via non-Linux–based NFS or FTP, you might experience problems with NFS or FTP server software. Especially the Windows standard FTP server can cause errors, so installing via SMB on these machines is generally recommended.
To connect to the SUSE Linux Enterprise Server installation system, one of the following methods is required:
- SSH with Terminal Emulation (xterm compatible)
SSH is a standard Unix tool that should be present on any Unix or Linux system. For Windows, there is an SSH client called Putty. It is free to use and is included on DVD 1 in the directory
/dosutils/putty. Get more information about Putty at http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/.- VNC Client
For Linux, a VNC client called vncviewer is included in SUSE Linux Enterprise Server as part of the
XFree86-Xvncpackage. For Windows, a VNC client is included in the present SUSE Linux Enterprise Server. Find it in/dosutils/tightvncof DVD 1. Copy thetightvnc-1.2.9-setup.exefile to the hard disk of your Windows machine and install it. Alternatively, use the VNC Java client and a Java-enabled Web browser.- X Server
Find a suitable X server implementation on any Linux or Unix workstation. There are many commercial X Window System environments for Windows and Macintosh. Some of them can be downloaded as free trial versions. A trial version of the Mocha X Server from MochaSoft can be obtained at http://www.mochasoft.dk/freeware/x11.htm.
![[Tip]](admon/tip.png) | Additional Information |
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Consult the | |