[kev009]

Yes that entitles you to a lot of software, so it is a good deal for professional use.

If you are just curious on the software side at home, Hercules is an amazing project.

For students IBM does a "Master the Mainframe" contest where you can get remote access to an environment and see what it is like as a user and developer.

[dirkt]

And "Master the Mainframe" is even open to non-students (look for "Learning System"). Comes with material and tasks to work through to get acquainted with the mainframe.

Very much recommended for anyone who is curious.