CS3321

What is the minimum number of LPARs in a Sysplex? =2 =32 =16 =1

=1

The concept of blocked data or blocking has to do with: A) How data is physically arranged on a storage device B) How the catalog entry for a data set is recorded C) How data is logically arranged on a storage device D) How data is manipulated by a program E) How data is presented to a program

A) How data is physically arranged on a storage device

What is batch processing?

Batch processing means executing programs with minimal human interaction.

What is a DASD volume?

Datasets in Z/OS are organized into DASD volumes. They are used of storing datasets.

How are VSAM files stored?

They are stored in control intervals consisting of one or more records.

JCL can be submitted or started. What is the difference?

To start a job means the system operator pressed the 'start' button. In the early days of mainframes, the command meant the system operator took a deck of card containing a job's data, placed the cards into the card reader, and pressed its start button. - To submit a job means the programmer has issued a SUBMIT (SUB) command, which causes the JES to read the job stream from the DASD file and copy it into a job queue.

The death of the mainframe has been greatly exaggerated. A) True B) False

True

What z/OS application changes are needed for it to work in an LPAR?

Type 1 hypervisor

List several differences and similarities between the z/OS and UNIX operating systems. -differences:

UNIX (i) boot the system (ii) Files and directories (iii) bytes oriented format z/OS IPL the system Sequential datasets and partitioned datasets record format

What is the difference between a UNIX file and Z/OS dataset?

Unix files are store as text files or binary files. Text files are sequence of bytes separated by carriage return. Binary files are stored as a sequence of binary words. In Z/OS, datasets are stored as logical records. Executable modules are stored undefined records.

What is a VTOC? what is a catalog?

VTOC stands for volume table of content. It is a list of dataset that resides on the volume along with information about its location and size of each dataset and other attributes. A catalog describes the dataset name, attributes, and indicates the volume on which it a located.

When a JCL job has multiple EXEC statements, what is the type of name associated with each EXEC statement?

When a job had multiple EXEC statements, each program used in the EXEC statement is identified by a job step. Each job step begins with an EXEC statement that names the program to be executed.

What is "virtual" about virtual storage?

it gives the illusion that the system has more storage than it has physically.

List a few characteristics of enterprise computing systems?

(RAS) Reliable,Available,Serviceable

List the three major types of storage used by z/OS.

(i) DASD (direct access storage device) volumes (ii) tape cartridges (iii) Virtual tape or virtual disk. (Virtual tape and virtual disk storage are high-capacity and relatively inexpensive disk storage attached storage devices that emulate tape volumes or one larger disk storage volume)

How does z/OS differ from a single-user operating system? Give two examples.

(i) process large workloads (ii) can allow thousands of user transaction concurrently

In our assignments, we used JCL to run a sort program using several DD statement. Give a short description of each of them we used.

- SORTOUT is to specify where output will be sent - SORTIN is to specify the input dataset. - SYSIN are the control fields. - SYSOUT is to specify messages during sort.

What's the most accurate definition of a Network Interface Card (NIC)? -A NIC controls the flow of information from the IP to the TCP, over hardware and software. -A NIC moves information directly from the computer to computers on the internet. -A NIC comprises of the hardware and software components that connects the RJ-15 cable to the RJ-45 -A NIC is a computer hardware component that connects a computer to a network.

-A NIC is a computer hardware component that connects a computer to a network.

What is the best definition of an address space? -Is the actual physical memory -Is addressable data storage not currently in a computer's main memory -Appears to exist as main storage, although most of it is held in secondary storage -A map of storage available to applications and users

-A map of storage available to applications and users

Which is the best definition of a console as it pertains to Mainframe? -A collection of optional software features, with a web-browser interface, that is used for configuring, managing, and monitoring data-copy functions. -A user interface to a server, for example, the interface provided on a personal computer. -A screen that resides within the computer.

-A user interface to a server, for example, the interface provided on a personal computer.

A processor unit (PU) is an un-characterized processor in a mainframe. Which characterized processor executes commands? -SAP (System assistance processor) -zIIP (Integrated information processor) -zAAP (z Application assist processor) -CP (Central processor)

-CP (Central processor)

What takes source code and compiles it into machine language? -Programming -Object code -Language code -Compilers

-Compilers

What are the three main objectives of system security? -Integrity, availability, and malware -Confidentiality, integrity, and quality -Integrity, quality, and ascendancy -Confidentiality, integrity, and availability

-Confidentiality, integrity, and availability

Which z/OS component manages communications between applications in a Parallel Sysplex? -TCP/IP -Cross-system coupling facility -Hipersockets -VTAM

-Cross-system coupling facility

What's the best definition of an LDAP? -Defines a standard method to access and update information in a directory. -A semiconductor chip that displays visible or infrared light when activated. -A set of system commands, library routines, and other tools that allow the user to establish and control logical volume storage.

-Defines a standard method to access and update information in a directory.

What is the maximum number of z/OS images in a Parallel Sysplex environment? =10 =32 =8 =16

=32

Which of these provides a common set of methods for performing functions which the operating system is going to utilize? -Software -Firmware -Hardware -Operating System

-Firmware

Which of the following provides the ability to allow users on multiple systems to access data sets on shared DASD volumes? -TSO -GRS -LPAR -XCF

-GRS

What does GDPS stand for? -Geographically Dispersed Parallel Sysplex -Graphic DiPlo Sysplex -Geomegric Duplicity Parallel Sysplex

-Geographically Dispersed Parallel Sysplex

Which of the following are examples of application software? -Inventory jobs -Memory components -Operating Systems -Program products

-Inventory jobs

What is the name of software that enables hardware on a mainframe? -LMC (Licensed machine code) -PR/SM (Processor resource/system manager). -LIC (Licensed internal code) -PDF (Program development facility)

-LMC (Licensed machine code)

What term is used when the operating system moves data from auxiliary storage to central storage? -Retrieving -Paging -Passing -Relocating

-Paging

In TSO/ISPF, what is the name of a data set which contains multiple members, each of which holds a sub-data set? -Sub data set -Sequential data set -Member data set -Partitioned data set

-Partitioned data set

What is the status of the management process state when a process is waiting on the processor to handle the request? -Holding -Ready -New -Running

-Ready

Which system component decides the allocation of system resources? -Performance manager -Resource manager -Resource director -Resource handler

-Resource manager

Which mainframe component syncs the time of day between multiple servers? -Sync element -Server time protocol -Server connect -Sysplex timer

-Server time protocol

Architecture is comprised of: -Hardware and firmware -Hardware and operating systems -Software and firmware -Software and hardware

-Software and hardware

What z/OS interface enables programs to use authorization services to control access to resources? -Application programming interfaces -Extensible Markup Language -System management interface -System authorization facility

-System authorization facility

Applications running on an operating system through a simplified series of interfaces is referred to as Application programming interfaces -False -True

-True

What does VSAM stand for? -Virtual Storage Access Method -Virtually Stored Accessories Methodology -Virtual Safe Access Method

-Virtual Storage Access Method

Which z/OS component is used for managing workload distribution, workload balancing, and distributing resources to competing workloads? -Workload distribution -Resource control -Resource balancing -Workload manager

-Workload manager

In JCL, what is a JOB statement? Give a very short (one sentence) description for each of the parameters of a JOB statement such as REGION, NOTIFY, MSGLEVEL, MSGCLASS.

A JOB statement identifies the job and the user who submit the JCL. Commonly used parameters are: -MSGCLASS to specify a single-character output class to be used for the job's message output. -NOTIFY to specify the user-id of the TSO/E user to be notified when the job completes. -REGION to specify the memory resources to be allocated to the job. -MSGLEVEL controls which JCL statement and system messages are produced by the job.

What is a partitioned dataset?

A PDS is a collection of sequential datasets called members.

What is a library in z/OS?

A library refers to a PDS or a PDSE

What is the difference between master and user catalog?

A master catalog stores catalog information of dataset system dataset and aliases for user catalogs. user catalogs store catalog information of user datasets.

We have three DD statements: //DD1 DD UNIT=3480,... //DD2 DD UNIT=0560,... //DD3 DD UNIT=560,... What do these numbers mean? How do we know this?

A specific 3480 tape drive of unit 560 or 0560. A unit can refer to any device in a device type or group, or it can allocate a specific device unit address.

Since its introduction in 1964, the IBM mainframe has A) Evolved and in many ways leads in delivering modern computing technologies B) Remained stagnant C) Evolved and incorporates some modern computing technologies D) Evolved but only supports 32 bit addressing; PC's support 64 bit addressing E) Evolved but only supports "green screen" terminals and interfaces

A) Evolved and in many ways leads in delivering modern computing technologies

The z/OS acronym RAS stands for A) Reliability, Availability, and Serviceability B) Random and Secure C) Receive and Send D) Real as Storage E) Random Access Storage

A) Reliability, Availability, and Serviceability

The "360" in the name "System/360" is a reference to what? A) The 360 degrees of a compass B) The revenue expected to be generated by S/360 sales ($360 Million) C) None of the above D) The projected number of systems that were expected to be sold (360) E) Nothing, it is an arbitrary number that "sounds good" for marketing

A) The 360 degrees of a compass

A number of non-mainframe computer systems are available today which claim to be "mainframe like" or provide the same value as mainframes. A) True B) False

A) True

The S/360 eliminated several problems that were inherent in computers that preceded it including: the inability to upgrade to a larger computer, proprietary and incompatible peripheral interfaces, and the ability to run both engineering and commercial work on the same computer. A) True B) False

A) True

Characteristics of an online transaction are: A) Uses a small amount of input data and demands a fast (usually less than one second) response B) Entered by a large number of people during well defined business hours (e.g. 9am to 5pm) C) Entered by a few people and so has little need for security D) Entered in groups (batches) by highly trained business employees E) Uses a small amount of input data and runs for a long time

A) Uses a small amount of input data and demands a fast (usually less than one second) response

Which two operating systems are the most prevalent operating systems running on System z mainframes? A) z/OS and Linux for zSeries B) z/VM and Linux for zSeries C) zTPF and z/VM D) z/OS and VSE E) VSE and z/VM

A) z/OS and Linux for zSeries

What's the initial security request flow for a user request assuming RACF? A)User request-> Resource Manager-> SAF-> RACF->RACF Database B)User request-> SAF-> RACF->RACF Database C)User request-> Resource Manager->SAD->SAF-> RACF->RACF Database

A)User request-> Resource Manager-> SAF-> RACF->RACF Database

How would you characterize the physical size of a mainframe computer (not including its I/O (or peripheral) equipment)? A) About the size of a pickup truck B) About the size of a large refrigerator C) About the size of a large hotel ballroom D) About the size of a desktop computer E) About the size of a microwave oven

B) About the size of a large refrigerator

Which customer enterprises would likely be interested in the System z On/Off Capacity on Demand feature? A) Customer enterprises that would like to deploy new applications with temporary extra capacity B) All of the above C) Customer enterprises that would like to pilot new applications with temporary extra capacity D) Customer enterprises with a need for predictable short term capacity growth E) Customer enterprises with a need for unpredictable capacity growth

B) All of the above

A System z technique that allows multiple simultaneous operations of two or more programs under the control of one copy of z/OS is called A) SMO (symmetric multioperations) B) SMP (symmetric multiprocessing) C) Multiprogramming D) SMT (symmetric multithreading) E) Clustering

B) SMP (symmetric multiprocessing)

Two distinguishing characteristics of mainframe computing are: A) Secure and outdated B) Secure and highly available C) Large scale (capacity) and outdated D) Highly available and cumbersome E) Secure and Expensive

B) Secure and highly available

An enterprise is about to upgrade an older System z server to the latest technology mainframe. This enterprise has a program that was witten 20 years ago, is still in use, and the source code for the program is no longer available. What should the enterprise expect relative to the old program when the server upgrade occurs? A) They should expect to contact IBM to make sure that the operating system services that the program uses are still supported B) They should expect that the program will run without any changes C) They should expect that they will have to find the source code and recompile the program so it will work with the new server D) They should expect that the new server will recognize that the old program is down level and return an error code E) They should expect that they will have to upgrade the program so it will work with the new server

B) They should expect that the program will run without any changes

If a fixed block physical is 1000 bytes long and the records are recorded in blocks of 10, how long is each fixed length record (i.e. what is the logical record length)? A) 50 bytes B) 1010 bytes C) 100 bytes D) 10,000 bytes E) Can't tell with the information provided

C) 100 bytes

All of the data that can be read or written without moving all of the read/write heads of a disk device (DASD) is referred to as: A) Volume B) Circle C) Cylinder D) Cartridge E) Track

C) Cylinder

Many z/OS system programmers who have worked with z/OS for a long time still refer to it using its original (old) name: A) MFT B) RAS C) MVS D) SRB E) VSE

C) MVS

A System z technique whereby several programs appear to execute concurrently is called A) SMP (symmetric multiprocessing) B) SMT (symmetric multithreading) C) Multiprogramming D) TCMP (tightly coupled multiprocessor) E) SMO (symmetric multioperations)

C) Multiprogramming

Which mainframe job/role would you expect to perform software customization, capacity planning and performance tuning? A) End User B) Application Developer C) Systems programmer D) System Operator E) Database Administrator

C) Systems programmer

Name the two broad categories of workload likely to be found running on a mainframe. A) Batch and Spreadsheets B) Spreadsheets and Word Processing C) Data Mining and Simulation Games D) Batch and online transaction processing E) Payroll and Inventory

D) Batch and online transaction processing

Which JCL statement (JOB, EXEC, or DD) has the most parameters? Why?

DD(Data definition) has the most parameters because the statements define the data sets that a program or procedure uses when it runs. We must code one at least one DD statement for each data set that is used or created within a job step.

What is a dataset? What types of data sets are used on z/os?

Dataset refers to a file that contains one or more records. A record is the basic unit of information used by a program running on z/OS. Types of datasets: (1) Partition Dataset (PD and PD-E) (2) Sequential Dataset (SD and SD-E) (3) VSAM

In which phase of the application development life cycle does the designer conduct interviews?

Design phase involves gathering user requirement by conducting interviews

What are the differences between an application designer and an application programmer? Which role must have a global view of the entire project?

Designers gather information about the application from its users, determine the best programming solution, writes design specifications, and so on. Application programmers are responsible for developing the application for the design specifications and maintaining it. Designers have a global view of the project.

A z/OS catalog is: A) A place to store free space information B) A collection of VTOCs C) A dataset used to store information about z/OS users D) A collection of extents E) A dataset used to store location information about other datasets

E) A dataset used to store location information about other datasets

Typical z/OS "middleware" would include A) End user application programs B) z/OS itself C) Java SDK D) auxiliary storage E) Database software and web server software

E) Database software and web server software

Mainframes are most extensively used by what type of businesses? A) Small/medium businesses B) Local "mom and pop" stores C) Only the "Fortune 10" D) Home based businesses E) Large corporations

E) Large corporations

A programmer has 40 sequential data sets. The 40 datasets collectively represent a program that will be used by a business. Which z/OS dataset type should the programmer use to store the datasets? A) 40 sequential files B) Four PDS datasets each with ten members C) 20 sequential files D) A VSAM KSDS E) One PDS

E) One PDS

Two common z/OS units of work are: A) SMTs and tasks B) SRBs and ENQs C) Tasks and SLOTs D) SRBs and PSWs E) Tasks and SRBs

E) Tasks and SRBs

How are dataset named in z/OS.

Each dataset name is unique which is up to 44 chars. A dataset name consists of segments names also called level qualifier. The first segment is called the HLQ (high level qualifier), and last segment is called LLQ (low level qualifier). Each name is 1 to 8 characters long. Each name must begin with a character A-Z or @, #, or $ followed by zero or more characters, numbers, or hyphens. All names have only upper case letters.

Explain the relationship between a data set name, a DD name, and the file name within a program. For example: //SYSTSIN DD DSN=C332100.FOOD,DISP=SHR

Here SYSTSIN is the symbolic name used in the program and DSN= specifies the file that the program will read data from. This kind of associating a symbolic name with an actual file name allows programmers to use the same program/JCL to execute with different input files, assuming the program can handle them.

In JCL, what is an EXEC statement? Give a very short (one sentence) description for each of the parameters of a EXEC statement such as PARM, COND, TIME

In a JCL and EXEC statement is used to identify the program to be executed by each step, if there are more than one step. PGM specifies the name of the program to be executed for the job step PARM specifies the information that is passed to the program COND a Boolean logic controlling the execution of job steps. TIME controls the amount of the time the processor can use for the step in minutes and seconds.

What is the difference between byte stream file system and record-oriented file system?

In a byte stream file system, files are just a collection of sequential streams of bits, and there is a special character to tell the computer where a line (or record) ends and the next one begins. In a record-oriented file system, files are organized on the disk into separate records. With record-oriented files, you explicitly define the sizes and attributes of your records, so there is no need for a special end line character, which helps conserve system resources

What is the meaning of Enterprise Systems?

Is a combination of hardware and software that an organization uses for its daily operations.

What is a sequential dataset?

It is a data structure for storing data in z/os. It consists of one or more records.

What is the difference between JCL and a JCL PROC? What is the benefit of using a JCL PROC?

JCL - job control language consists of statements that are used in jobs to control program execution, data allocation, and output processing. JCL PROC - is a pre-written segment of code consisting of one or more steps that you can include in a job stream. By using JCL PROC, the amount of JCL coding we have to do is reduced, resulting in fewer errors and greater productivity.

What are the three basic JCL statements? Describe briefly the purpose of each of them.

JOB, EXEC, and DD A JOB statement identifies the job and the user who submits the JCL. An EXEC statement identifies the program to be executed. A DD statement is coded after an EXEC statement and it describes a dataset used by the EXEC statement.

What are the various VSAM datasets?

Key Sequenced Datasets, Entry Sequenced datasets, Relative Record sequenced dataset, and Linear Datasets.

Multiprocessing means running several processors simultaneously (available to the operating system and applications). What does multiprogramming mean?

Multiprogramming is running of more than one program simultaneously on the same processor.

What z/OS application changes are needed to work in a Parallel Sysplex?

One or more CFs (coupling facilities)

What is a PDSE?

PDSE is a partitioned dataset extended which basically the same as PDS with additional functionality to expand or remove storage space as needed.

List several differences and similarities between the z/OS and UNIX operating -similarities

Run application in Java, C, COBOL, and soon Both systems allow data stored in memory to be shared among processes. Both systems have the concepts of virtual memory managements.

What does the acronym spool stand for?

Spool stands for simultaneous peripheral operations on-line. Spooling is a process of reading and writing of input and output streams while concurrently executing a job.

Tell in one line each, what is (a) System z (b) z/OS (c) z/VM ?

System z is a large scale computer system or mainframe computer built by IBM. z/VM is a base virtual machine building s/w (software) that is installed on top of the h/w (hardware). z/OS is a 64-bit operating system for a mainframe computer within a z/VM.

In JCL, what is a DD statement? Give a very short (one sentence) description of each of the parameters of a DD statement such as DSN, DISP, SPACE, SYSOUT.

The DD statement are coded after the EXEC statement and describes the dataset used by the exec statement program. -DSN specifies the datasets names to be used.Some of them can be temporary or new dataset needed. -DISP specifies the dataset status and normal and abnormal disposition. -SPACE specifies the amount of storage required for a new dataset. -VOL=SER specifies the six character volume serial number and volume that contains the dataset. -SYSOUT defines the print location.

List several defining characteristics of the z/OS operating system.

The address spaces in z/OS provide system security using private and common ares. Provides data integrity for its large number of users. Can manage a large number of concurrent batch jobs. The security extends to system functions, simple files, applications, resources, user profiles and so on. Allows multiple communications subsystems such as multiple TCP/IP operation at the same time. Manage large I/O configurations such as thousands of disk drives, tape libraries, and terminals.

Tell what the JCL statement means? //C332100S JOB 1

The job statement has name C332100S and the number 1 is an accounting field supplied for the job.

Why does the power needed for a traditional COBOL application not have a linear relationship with the power needed for a new Java application?

The power of a system is often linked to the cost of software licensing. The power needed to run a COBOL application does not have a linear relation to that of running a new Java application because the cost of adding a new Java application increases non-linearly.

What are the differences between loosely coupled systems and tightly coupled systems?

Tightly coupled systems contain multiple processors (CPUs) that are connected by channels. They have access to a centrally shared memory or may participate in a memory hierarchy with both local and shared memory. Loosely coupled system has multiple stand-alone units/processors interconnected via high speed communication systems.

To override a JCL PROC statement in the JCL stream executing the PROC, what PROC names must be known? What is the order of the names on the JCL override statement?

To override a JCL PROC statement in a the JCL stream executing the PROC, we have to know to the parameter name and the step name that are coded on the EXEC statement within the procedure. The order is the parameter name that needs to overriding followed by the 'dot' symbol followed by the procedure step name in which it occurs.

Why does z/OS need a JES?

To process a job, z/OS uses a job entry subsystem or JES. It keeps track of jobs that enter the system, presents them for processing, sends output to the destination given in the job. There are two version of JES: JES2, JES3. Each mainframe has only one installed.

What role does workload management play in a z/OS system?

Workload management manages the processing of workloads in the system according to the business goals. It manages the use of system resources such as processor and storages to achieve throughput (optimal use of the system), response and turnaround time.

What are some of the jobs performed by an initiator?

i Select a job, ii ensure the multiple jobs including TSO users and other interactive applications do not conflict with data set usage, iii ensure that single-use devices, such as tape drives are allocated correctly, iv find the executable programs requested for the job, v clean up after job ends and then go to step i.

During the life of a job, what types of processing does JES2 typically perform?

i. JES examines the jobs in the Job queue and prioritizes them, and selects the most important job to be executed. ii. A program called initiator selects the an appropriate job for execution, and executes the job in its address space iii. return to step to step i for another job. Each initiator has only one address space and can run only one job at a time. There could be multiple initiators running in different address spaces and that reflects the number of programs being multiprogrammed.