64-bit: What About 64-bit Device Drivers or Third-Party Device Drivers?

System administrators should be certain that they have the correct device drivers available for their 64-bit Solaris systems by following these steps:

1. Verify whether the UltraSPARC system needs a firmware upgrade to boot the 64-bit Solaris kernel. See your hardware manufacturer's documentation to determine whether your UltraSPARC system needs a firmware upgrade.

2. Select the 64-bit Solaris packages during installation.

3. Boot the 64-bit Solaris operating environment.

Another important administration issue is making sure your third-party device drivers are available in 64-bit versions; otherwise you probably won't be able to run the 64-bit Solaris environment until they are available in 64-bit versions.