Preparing the System for Use

Before you turn the system on for the first time, prepare to install Solaris, the software that ships with the system.

These instructions apply to installing (or reinstalling) the Solaris version that originally came with your SPARCstation Voyager machine. For installing or upgrading to a later version of Solaris, follow the general installation instructions for that later Solaris release. For those releases, use this chapter only as a guide to selecting the combination of software that will be useful on this machine.

A new mode of operation is possible on the SPARCstation Voyager. You can configure it to run alternately connected to and disconnected from the network in nomadic mode. If you want to use this mode, read Chapter 4, Using a Networked SPARCstation Voyager Disconnected From the Network and Chapter 5, Configuring for Disconnected Operation. The two chapters describe additional steps to take after you install Solaris that will enable nomadic operation.

After you decide whether you want to enhance your machine with the nomadic configuration, you need to decide what configuration to select when the Solaris installation program prompts you.

Deciding What Configuration You Need

• Standalone networked preinstalled system. Standalone means you have an internal disk with software. Networked means you can communicate with other machines over a LAN. Choose this Solaris option if you want to configure for the nomadic mode.

• Single system -- a standalone non-networked preinstalled system.

Deciding on the Installation Method

• Automatic Installation. It is recommended that you use Automatic Installation. This method ensures that all the files you will need for networked or nomadic operation are copied to your system.

• Interactive Installation. If, for any reason, the Automatic Installation failed or you want to custom install the operating system, use Interactive Installation.

Arrange for Software Installation

Provide your system administrator with the installation instructions and CDs that come with your software. Your system administrator will normally perform the rest of the procedures in this chapter.