Looking to kickstart your career in mainframe computing? Get started with these comprehensive training courses, which introduce the fundamentals of mainframe technology and teach you essential troubleshooting techniques.
1. IBM z/OS Bootcamp
The course aims to equip newly hired IT professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complex IBM Z environment. This specialized field requires a deep understanding of IBM mainframe servers, which are used to process vast amounts of data at high speeds. Through this course, students will learn about the various types of IBM mainframe servers and their corresponding capabilities, such as the IBM Z15 or the IBM LinuxONE.
In addition to the servers, the course covers the operating systems used in the IBM Z environment. This includes z/OS, z/VM, and z/VSE, each designed for specific use cases. Furthermore, students will learn about the various software products that are commonly used on IBM mainframe servers, such as IBM CICS and IBM DB2.
The course consists of 16 lecture units, where students will be introduced to key concepts and terminology. To further enhance their learning, 11 lab exercises are also included. These hands-on labs allow students to apply the theory they learned in the lectures to practical, real-world scenarios.
By the end of the course, technical professionals will have a solid understanding of the IBM Z environment and will possess a basic skill set that can be applied to various mainframe job roles. This knowledge can be applied to a wide range of industries, such as finance, healthcare, and government. The course provides a strong foundation for further learning and professional development in this specialized field.
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2. Introducing z/OS UNIX System Services
This course provides an introduction to z/OS UNIX System Services, which implement open standards in a z/OS system. It covers the basic terms and components of z/OS UNIX, as well as its major functions and applications. The course also discusses the role of z/OS as a server in an open systems environment.
While this is an introductory level course, it assumes some basic knowledge of computer systems. The course does not cover the details of installation and implementation for system programmers.
The objectives of the course include discussing the role of z/OS in an open systems environment, identifying basic terms used in z/OS UNIX, defining the components of z/OS UNIX, explaining major functions provided in z/OS UNIX, discussing opportunities for applications in a z/OS UNIX environment, identifying z/OS base elements and optional features that make up z/OS UNIX, and using the two interactive interfaces available to access the services.
This intermediate-level course is intended for all computer professionals who will use z/OS UNIX.
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3. Fundamental System Skills in z/OS
This course is designed to provide you with practical skills to effectively operate in a z/OS environment. The skills you will acquire include using ISPF/PDF dialogs, TSO/E commands, JCL, UNIX System Services shell, and BookManager. By the end of the course, you will have refreshed your knowledge of z/OS concepts and will be able to log in to TSO and start ISPF/PDF.
The course will focus on developing your proficiency in using ISPF/PDF to allocate and edit data sets, manage data sets, and navigate through ISPF/PDF dialogs. You will also learn to tailor JCL, submit batch jobs, and review job status and output using SDSF. Additionally, you will gain knowledge of invoking UNIX processes and manipulating HFS directories and file systems using the UNIX System Services ISHELL.
Throughout the course, you will become familiar with TSO/E commands and learn to modify existing ISPF/PDF panels, invoke REXX execs and TSO CLISTs. You will also gain an understanding of the security considerations for MVS data sets and HFS files.
Overall, this course is designed to equip you with the practical skills needed to operate effectively in a z/OS environment, as well as to provide you with a strong foundation in z/OS concepts, security considerations, and various tools and commands used in the system.
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4. z/OS System Operators
This course is designed to provide an overview of the z Operating System (OS) by examining both its hardware and software aspects. Students will gain a basic understanding of the system’s partitioning capabilities and Processor Resource/Systems Manager (PR/SM) technology, which allows for the efficient allocation of processing resources across multiple workloads.
The course will also cover several key components of the z/OS operating system, including Job Entry Subsystem 2 (JES2), Job Entry Subsystem 3 (JES3), and the Time Sharing Option (TSO), as well as the extended version of TSO (TSO/E) and the System Display and Search Facility (SDSF). Students will also learn about the z/OS Communications Server and the use of the System z channel subsystem for various channels, such as Enterprise System Connection (ESCON), Fiber Connector (FICON), and the Open Systems Adapter (OSA).
The course will provide students with practical experience using z/OS commands from both Multi Console Support (MCS) system consoles and extended MCS consoles, as well as an overview of the Initial Program Loader (IPL) process. By the end of the course, students will have gained a solid understanding of the z/OS operating system and will be able to navigate and issue commands using the various tools and subsystems covered in the course.
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5. z/OS System Programmer Fundamentals
The main objective of this course is to provide a comprehensive overview of the fundamental components that are integral to all z/OS systems. It covers high-level concepts related to the z/OS hardware platform as well as the z/OS software. Additionally, the course offers an in-depth analysis, detailed descriptions, and lab activities that are particularly relevant to the system programmer role, which involves the maintenance of z/OS systems.
Throughout the course, there are discussion activities that cover a wide range of topics, including the POR, IPL process, JES implementation, and operating environment. Furthermore, the course delves into the VTAM environment for TSO, ISPF, SNA, and TCP/IP networking, RACF, ISPF/PDF, and UNIX System Services. It also defines the traditional approach to data management in a z/OS system, highlighting various software products and utilities that are used to define, maintain, and manage catalogs and data sets in the z/OS environment.
Additionally, the course covers Parmlib usage and requirements for system initialization and operation, which include system symbolics, WLM, SFM, RMF, and system logger. Both single system and multi-system sysplex usage are identified, and the course provides information on z/OS installation, upgrade options, maintenance using SMP/E, and I/O configuration requirements using HCD.
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6. Advanced z/OS Security: Crypto, Network, RACF, and Your Enterprise
The course being described is a specialized training program that focuses on advanced z/OS security. It is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current security architecture for z/OS, which is the operating system used on IBM mainframe computers.
The course covers various technologies involved in z/OS Cryptographic Services, which are used to protect sensitive data and ensure secure communication between systems. This includes the use of encryption and decryption techniques, digital signatures, and key management.
The z/OS Resource Access Control Facility (RACF) is also explored in depth. RACF is a security product that provides access control and resource protection for z/OS systems. The course covers how to use RACF to implement authentication, authorization, and auditing policies.
In addition, the course covers z/OS Integrated Security Services, which is a set of security features that can be used to protect various system resources, including files, databases, and programs. This includes the use of digital certificates, Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) Services, and RACF auto registration.
The course includes hands-on exercises that allow participants to work with their own z/OS HTTP Server in a TCP/IP environment. These exercises provide an opportunity to implement authentication using RACF, SSL, and digital certificates. Participants will also use facilities such as RACDCERT to manage digital certificates and implement different scenarios to demonstrate SSL security for a typical TCP/IP application, including FTP: SSL, TLS, server authentication, client certificates, and AT-TLS.
Through the exercises, participants will reinforce the concepts and technologies covered in the lectures. By the end of the course, participants will have gained a deep understanding of z/OS security and will be able to implement effective security measures to protect their z/OS systems from potential security threats.
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Ready to take your Mainframe skills to the next level?
Comprehensive and Authorized Mainframe Training Programs by LearnQuest
LearnQuest is an IT & Business Skills training and certification services provider that offers a wide range of training programs. We offer courses in various disciplines, including cloud computing, data science, cybersecurity, and mainframe technology.
For mainframe computing, LearnQuest offers a comprehensive training program that covers a range of topics, including the ones listed above. Our training courses are designed to equip learners with the knowledge and skills needed to work with mainframe systems and technologies.
LearnQuest offers both instructor-led and self-paced training courses, allowing learners to choose the best option for their needs. Instructor-led courses are conducted by experienced instructors who provide hands-on training and support, while self-paced courses are designed to enable learners to study at their own pace.
LearnQuest provides three primary learning paths in mainframe technology. These pathways are intended to assist learners in acquiring the necessary abilities and knowledge to function in various positions within a mainframe environment. The learning journeys are the following:
In addition to our training courses, we offer certification programs that validate learners’ skills and knowledge in specific areas of mainframe computing. These certifications are recognized by industry leaders and can help learners advance their careers in mainframe computing.
