IBM i OS was previously known as OS/400 and i5/OS.
IBM i OS was previously known as OS/400 and i5/OS.
I possess the installation files and other packages for rare IBM i OS versions, along with related applications and some AS/400 service suites. There are also a few miscellaneous items such as Domino 9.01 FP2 for Windows and other unspecified software. I have all the necessary installation information for i OS 6.1, 7.2, and the latest release 7.3. I discovered these packages on an outdated FTP server that no longer exists, retrieving them shortly after i OS 7.3 was released. The download speed was slow—20 to 70 KBytes per second! Combined with the rarity of this software and its recent origin from IBM, this find is a valuable addition to my collection. The main challenge is figuring out how to use it, even with the right hardware. It’s so unique that I wouldn’t want to discard it easily, so I’m keeping it safely stored until I resolve the next steps. EDIT: If you’re curious about the exact files, feel free to message me for a detailed list. While I can’t provide direct access, I can suggest possible sources where you might obtain them legally. The primary goal here is to understand what these installation packages accomplish and how the system functions. Of course, few of us grasp how IBM’s proprietary UNIX environments operate, but I’m hoping someone with relevant experience can share insights about i OS and its optional applications. Next, I’d like to know how i OS differs from AIX and what its core functionality is. Finally, I’m eager to learn how it’s typically deployed and installed—especially since I might eventually get a POWER server and want to set it up properly.
Initially I wasn't sure how to adapt this setup compared to AIX or standard Unix distributions. However, using QEMU would be a good option since it supports many different architectures. I've used AT&T Unix and Nextstep before, and setting it up with libvirt, KVM, and virt-manager in your preferred Linux distribution would work. It's worth noting that for older systems like this one, a bootable image likely exists to install the main operating system.
Yeah dude chill, I said I had no idea, I just didn't want to ignore the thread because I'm interested in those things too, I didn't even know they're still developing something that isn't AIX or for some reason you have IBM hardware in your home, which anyway QEMU can emulate this too
You're facing a common challenge—starting something new can be overwhelming, especially when you're not sure where to begin. Most people seem unfamiliar with the details, so it's easy to feel lost. The connection between power processors and mainframe systems might seem distant, but both involve complex technology that requires careful setup.
I've spent time with AS/400 systems since their release in the 1980s. It's unclear if you can handle what you're aiming for, but it would be helpful if you could. iOS is closely linked with the hardware, though I believe it's worth exploring further. Begin with the Software Install Guide for the specific version you wish to install (the guide remains relatively consistent), it will guide you through the setup. It should last about 70 days, after which you'll need an IBM key.
Hey there! It's interesting you're exploring this topic—showing you know your way around the system is impressive. You seem to be in your late 40s to early 60s, which aligns with many experienced tech professionals. It looks like you're curious about how it functions and whether you have the right resources. I don't think you'll find any manuals, but I'm sure there are ways to learn. Regarding the version you mentioned, i OS 7.4 is an update from 7.3, offering some improvements and new features. Let me know if you'd like more details!
Closed at 65. Began working in the late '70s with IBM Mid-range (GSD computers), long before personal computers existed. Searching Google for "ibm ios manuals" leads to IBM's Knowledge Center sites, where you'll find the documentation. Most accessible version is V7, though older versions like V6 are available if needed. I didn't have direct access to IBM software; I was a programmer focused on business applications, but I did some interesting projects. One of my final tasks involved processing credit cards for order entry—using Java to communicate with the CC provider and updating the AS/400 database. We also ran an order-taking website on a separate AS/400, handling verification and posting orders. It was quite clever for its time. If you're interested in running an AS/400, visit PUB400.com—it's a live system. For more historical context, IBM originally aimed to replace their 360/370 systems with "Future Systems," which eventually evolved into S/38. The mainframe community found it too unconventional, so GSD adopted it, leading to the S/38 upgrade. At the time, its 40-bit architecture was ahead of its era, and it was upgraded to 48 bits a couple of years later without any user modifications. Disk sizes increased, prompting another jump to 64 bits, all quietly implemented. And the user code remained backward compatible—truly impressive!