"Linux on iSeries" FAQ

Support knowledgebase (linuxoniseries_faq)
Applies to

SuSE Linux PowerPC: Versions since 7.1

Request

You want to use linux on the IBM iSeries, but there are some unanswered questions. This document trys to provide answers on the most interesting topics.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

    General questions:

  1. Where can I find general information about Linux on iSeries?
  2. Where can I find specific information about SuSE Linux on iSeries?
  3. Does SuSE Linux work well on iSeries?
  4. Which models are supported?
  5. Which kernel version is used by SuSE?
  6. Can I build a firewall with Linux on iSeries?

    ... and the answers:

  1. Where can I find general information about Linux on iSeries?

    There are several links on the internet where you can find lots information. Some good starting points are:

    http://www-1.ibm.com/servers/eserver/iseries/linux/
    http://oss.software.ibm.com/developerworks/opensource/linux/projects/ppc/index.php
    http://www.iserieslinux.com/home.php
    http://www.iseries.de/

    Furthermore there is a community mailinglist where you can discuss all kind of topics regarding Linux on iseries. Here is the link where you can get subscribed:

    http://lists.linuxppc.org/

  2. Where can I find specific information about SuSE Linux on iSeries?

    You can find a product description of the Developer Release here:

    http://www.suse.de/us/products/suse_business/sles/dev_iseries/

    This page should give you all necessary information for the installation (it also leads to the download pages):

    "PPC: Installation of SuSE Linux 7.1/PPC on iSeries" (http://sdb.suse.de/en/sdb/html/poeml_iseries_installation_7.1.html)

  3. Does SuSE Linux work well on iSeries?

    SuSE Linux runs very well on iSeries. In fact, the 7.1 Developer Release runs already so well that it is the only distribution certified for IBMs Java2 packages.

    Minor problems can mainly be be encountered during the installation. Known bugs and workarounds are listed here:

    "Known bugs and problems in SuSE Linux 7.1 PPC for iSeries" (http://sdb.suse.de/en/sdb/html/bugs71ppc-iseries.html)

  4. Which models are supported?

    Generally spoken every iseries with an IStar or SStar processor should do it. In general, this applies to each machine sold in or after May 2001. But, here you will find a complete and official list from IBM:

    http://www-1.ibm.com/servers/eserver/iseries/linux/hardware.html

  5. Which kernel version is used by SuSE?

    The SuSE Linux Developer Edition is shipped with a patched 2.4.3 kernel. It includes the patches made by IBM for the iSeries that were available as of the end of July 2001. Since then, some more 2.4.3 patches have been released as bugfixes and a kernel update is advisable. Please download the newest kernel from:

    http://linux01.gwdg.de/suse/ftp.suse.com/suse/ppc/boot/iSeries/

    For the IBM patches have a look at:

    http://oss.software.ibm.com/developerworks/opensource/linux/projects/ppc/iSeries_notes.php

    The SCSI driver for native IO is on the most current level, too.

  6. Can I build a firewall with Linux on iSeries?

    In general every linux is able to work as a firewall, so SuSE Linux Developer Edition for iSeries is also able to run as a firewall.

    But:

    We would not recommend to set up a firewall for a production system with the shipped kernel 2.4.3. There are some known security problems with this kernel. This is one of the reasons why SuSE Linux Developer Edition for iSeries got this name. We expect the customers to develop solutions with this release and to become familiar with the linux concept.

    You can expect a release with a more secure kernel later this year. If you are interested in a firewall solution for the iSeries please feel free to contact us.


See also:
o Known bugs and problems in SuSE Linux 7.1 PPC for iSeries
o PPC: Installation of SuSE Linux 7.1/PPC on iSeries

Keywords: AS400, OS400, IBM, ISERIES, PPC, DEVELOPER, EDITION, LINUX, SLES, FAQ

SDB-linuxoniseries_faq, Copyright SuSE Linux AG, Nürnberg, Germany - Version: 03. Aug 2001
SuSE Linux AG - Last generated: 07. Feb 2002 by mfrueh (sdb_gen 1.40.0)