Technical Information › Link Pack Area Display

Link Pack Area Display

The system reserves a range of storage for its use during z/OS system initialization (IPL). This storage area is called the link pack area (LPA). There are three types of LPA storage:

• Pageable link pack area (PLPA), which is pageable and loaded from the LPA library list.
• Modified link pack area (MLPA), which is also pageable but can be loaded from any linklist data set. MLPA often tests modules that can later be moved into an LPA library.
• Fixed link pack area (FLPA), which is not pageable and can be loaded from a linklist library. FLPA is usually used for those frequently used load modules that enhance performance.

For information about specific audit concerns for PLPA, MLPA, and FLPA, see the Usage Guide.

Because LPA storage contains vital system components, it is important to determine if it is adequately protected. The Link Pack Area Display shows you a list of the names and aliases of all modules stored in PLPA, MLPA, and FLPA. It also tells you whether those modules are APF-authorized and their storage addresses and lengths.

To display Link Pack Area information

1. From the Primary Menu, select option 3.

   The z/OS Technical Information screen is displayed.

2. Select option 4.

   The Link Pack Area Display screen is displayed.

3. Enter S (Select) next to the module to be reviewed.

   The LPA Library Search panel displays specific information about the date the program was linked into LPA, the size of the program, and the library where it resides.

4. (Optional) Enter B next to a module to browse it or F to freeze it.