Using SystemTap with Linux on System z

Abstract: SystemTap is a tool that allows administrators and developers to study and monitor the activities of the Linux Operating System (particularly, the kernel) in order to discover underlying causes of error conditions, investigate performance issues, or just to understand how the system works. Using a simple text script that runs your subroutine at specified events such as a system call ( or kernel function call ) enter and exit, It can provide more extensive information than tools like netstat, top, or iostat; as well as providing more filtering and analysis options for the collected information.

The session will discuss:

    * The installation and setup for Novell SLES and Red Hat Releases.
    * The SystemTap scripting language
      * The event/ handler model
      * Variables
      * Functions
    * The tapset library
    * Useful SystemTap scripts for monitoring various components of the system.

Tracks: Linux Systems Management