System Administration Guide

SPARC and x86 Information

This book provides system administration information for both SPARC and x86 systems. Unless otherwise noted, information throughout this book applies to both types of systems. Table P-1 summarizes the differences between the SPARC and x86 system administration tasks.

Table P-1 SPARC and x86 System Administration Differences


Category	SPARC	x86
System operation before kernel is loaded	A programmable read-only memory (PROM) chip with a monitor program runs diagnostics and displays device information. It is also used to program default boot parameters and test the devices connected to the system.	The basic input/output system (BIOS) runs diagnostics and displays device information. A Solaris Device Configuration Assistant boot diskette with the Multiple Device Boot (MDB) program is used to boot from non-default boot partitions, the network, or CD-ROM.
Booting the system	Commands and options at the PROM level are used to boot the system.	Commands and options at the MDB, primary, and secondary boot subsystems level are used to boot the system.
Boot programs	`bootblk`, the primary boot program, loads `ufsboot`. `ufsboot`, the secondary boot program loads the kernel.	`mboot`, the master boot record, loads `pboot`. `pboot`, the Solaris partition boot program, loads `bootblk`. `bootblk`, the primary boot program, loads `ufsboot`. `ufsboot`, the secondary boot program, loads the kernel.
System shutdown	The `shutdown` and `init` commands can be used without additional operation intervention.	The `shutdown` and `init` commands are used but require operator intervention at the `type any key to continue` prompt.
Disk controllers	SCSI	SCSI and IDE
Disk slices and partitions	A disk may have a maximum of eight slices, numbered 0-7. The Solaris `fdisk` partition may contain up to ten slices, numbered 0-9, but only 0-7 can be used to store user data.	A disk may have a maximum of four `fdisk` partitions. The Solaris `fdisk` partition may contain up to ten slices, numbered 0-9, but only 0-7 can be used to store user data.
Diskette drives	Desktop systems usually contain one 3.5-inch diskette drive.	Systems may contain two diskette drives: a 3.5-inch and a 5.25 inch drive.