3.3 Distributions for Linux on zSeries In this section, we look at some of the Linux distributions available for zSeries. 3.3.1 SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9 Released in August 2004, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9 (SLES9) from Novell is based on the Linux 2.6 kernel. A 30-day evaluation copy of SLES9 for IBM zSeries is available at this Web site: http://www.novell.com/products/linuxenterpriseserver/eval.html Note: If you use the evaluation copy, we recommend installing the latest updates from SUSE to take advantage of any new features and any security fixes. After updating, check the /var/adm/rpmconfigcheck file for a list of updates that could not be applied. Release notes for SLES9 are available on the Novell SUSE Web site: http://www.novell.com/products/linuxenterpriseserver/release_notes_final.tx t Novell charges an annual subscription fee for SUSE SLES8 updates. The price depends on the hardware model and the number of engines used to run SLES9. For pricing details, see the Novell SUSE Web site: http://www.novell.com/products/linuxenterpriseserver/pricing.html 3.3.2 Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4 Released in February 2005, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4 (RHEL4) is based on the Linux 2.6.9 kernel. An evaluation copy ofRHEL4 for IBM zSeries is available at Red Hat: http://www.redhat.com/software/rhel/eval/ Note: You will receive a 30 day free access to RHEL 4 packages and we always recommend installing the latest update from Red Hat in order to benefit from new features, the most current device drivers, and security and bug fixes. For more information about RHEL 4, see the Red Hat Web site: http://www.redhat.com/docs/manuals/enterprise/ Because RHEL4 is a commercial distribution, Red Hat charges an annual subscription fee when you use their Linux distribution. The price depends on the amount of processors that are used for the Linux workload. Red Hat also offers Chapter 3. Virtualization with z/VM 47