Plan to run Linux in a logical partition

 

Before you configure your iSeries™ server for Linux, you need to carefully plan and evaluate your software and hardware resources.

This section guides you through the planning process before you create a logical partition to run Linux. For further information, refer to Partitioning for Linux .

IBM recommends that you perform a full server back up before changing your server configuration. Refer to Back up your server for instructions on performing a full server back up.

• Linux support on iSeries servers
  To successfully partition an iSeries to run Linux, the server requires specific hardware and software.

• Hosted versus nonhosted partition running Linux
  Linux runs in both a hosted and nonhosted partitioned environment.

• Virtual I/O in a logical partition running Linux
  Virtual I/O resources are devices owned by the hosting i5/OS^® partition that provides I/O function to the logical partition.

• Directly attached I/O in a logical partition running Linux
  With directly attached I/O, Linux manages the hardware resources directly and all I/O resources are under the control of the Linux operating system.

• iSeries I/O adapters (IOAs) supported by Linux
  IOAs can be assigned to a logical partition. The iSeries supports the following adapters in a logical partition running Linux.

• Directly attached SCSI support for a logical partition
  Directly attached SCSI drives can be configured in a variety of methods.

• Obtain Linux for iSeries servers
  Linux is an open source operating system. Linux can be obtained in source format and built by individuals or business organizations.

• Order a new server or upgrade an existing server to run a logical partition
  The IBM System Planning Tool emulates an LPAR configuration and validates that the planned partitions are valid.

 

Parent topic:

Linux in a logical partition