Overview

This course is ideal for new Systems Programmers and those who need an understanding of the z/OS System structure and diagnostics, including a look at basic dump reading.

Audience

This course is designed for Systems Programmers and those who need an understanding of the z/OS System structure and diagnostics, including a look at basic dump reading.

Prerequisites

A basic understanding of z/OS architecture, TSO/ISPF, JCL and SDSF

Objectives

This course is ideal for new Systems Programmers and those who need an understanding of the z/OS System structure and diagnostics, including a look at basic dump reading. It does not seek to train the attendees on in-depth dump diagnostics, but will give them enough knowledge to appreciate when to escalate issues and be able to liaise with IBM support staff in a knowledgeable and efficient manner. Hands on labs are included using IPCS to examine several simple dumps in a z/OS environment.

Topics

• SMP/E - what is it and what are FMIDs/PTFs & Apars?
• I/O subsystem and Access methods
• Parmlib - understanding a live system
  • Understanding the Parmlib concatenation
• Using Commands and REXX to analyse a live system
• Virtual Storage overview - Paging & Swapping their effect on a ZOS TASK
• z/OS use of Control Blocks - data areas manuals
  • PSA,ASCB,TCB etc
  • How are CBs accessed in REXX, COBOL & ASSEMBLER
  • CB chasing Practicals using REXX & ASSEMBLER supplied programs
  • Wait Post & ECBs
• Interrupts - what are they?
• System recovery after problems (Logrec, ESTAE & Abend)
• Different Dump Types
• Difference between Assembler and Machine Code
• IPCS Examine some simple dumps on Live system
  • 0C7 CEEDUMP in sysout vs 0C7 SYSMDUMP in IPCS
  • Look at several different dumps in IPCS
  • Look at an IP trace in IPCS