IBM Mainframe Forum

[Lexandre]

Hi,

I'm beginner on IBM OS... and I search to test MVS.

I would like to install a virtual machine with MVS. Or a trial version of MVS, if it exists.

There is DB2 express, the same exist with MVS ?? it's only for test so I don't care performance.
Or maybe another solution ??

I hope that someone could help me

thanks

[MrSpock]

Search here or the internet for keywords like "Hercules" and "Turn-key MVS".

[Robert Sample]

I would like to install a virtual machine with MVS. Or a trial version of MVS, if it exists.

Hercules is an open source implementation of the S/360 architecture and its followups on a PC. You can install a turn-key MVS system (which dates back 20 years or more) with no problem. However, IBM closely controls access to recent operating systems (which are protected by copyright laws), and the only legal way to get a PC running a current version of z/OS is to become an IBM partner and purchase the appropriate PC with operating system (which I've heard costs about $20,000). I have heard reports that Hercules can run z/architecture operating systems but that would be a violation of copyright as well as licensing agreements and if discovered by IBM could have some very nasty negative consequences. IBM does not otherwise support any form of trial versions of their operating systems except as covered by their licensing agreements.

Your best bet would be to install the turn-key MVS system on Hercules and learn from it -- much of the basics (such as JCL) haven't changed that much over the years.

[Lexandre]

Many thks for your answer !!!