After you install the master machine, the next task in the Web Start Flash installation process is to create a Web Start Flash archive. All of the files on the master machine are copied to a Web Start Flash archive along with various pieces of identification information. You can create a Web Start Flash archive while the master machine is running in multiuser mode or single-user mode. You can also create a Web Start Flash archive after you boot from the Solaris 8 Software 1 of 2 CD or from an image of the Solaris software CDs. Create the archive when the system is in as static a state as possible.
A Web Start Flash archive contains archive identification information in addition to the actual files from the master machine that will be installed on the clone machines. You are required to specify a name for the Web Start Flash archive. Other information that you can specify about the archive includes:
The author of the archive
The date the archive was created
The name of the master machine that you used to create the archive
For a complete list of the archive identification information that you can specify, refer to Identification Section Keywords.
Use the flar command to retrieve information about the archive. For detailed instructions, refer to flar.
After you create the Web Start Flash archive, you can save the archive on the hard disk of the master machine or on a tape. After you save the archive, you can copy it to any file system or media that you choose.
Network File System (NFS)
HTTP server
Tape
CD
Diskette
Local drive of clone machine that you want to install
When you create the Web Start Flash archive, you can specify that the archive be saved as a compressed file by using the compress(1)utility. An archive that is compressed requires smaller disk storage space and creates less congestion when you install the archive over a network.