SunVTS Runtime Considerations

Before you start SunVTS, consider the following runtime issues:

• System load--Before you run SunVTS on your system you should consider the added system activity created by SunVTS and consider its effect on users. Depending on the mode that you select, testing can add significantly to your system load or be quite minimal. Added load is desirable when using SunVTS for system stress testing and validation.

• Other applications--Some SunVTS tests stress the system resources (such as virtual memory) to the point that other applications might not run.

• System functionality--SunVTS is an diagnostic tool. It only runs when your system is fully booted to run level 3 (multi-user level). SunVTS will not run from single-user (maintenance mode) nor from run level 0 (monitor mode).

• Superuser access--For security reasons, only superuser is permitted to run SunVTS unless the SunVTS security file is modified when you use the basic SunVTS security scheme.

• Graphics Tests--Running tests on frame buffers has two key considerations: You must not run any other application or screen saver program that uses the frame buffer. The frame buffer graphic tests print test patterns on the display. This temporarily prevents you from working in your window environment.

• Swap Space--The amount of swap space required for testing varies widely with individual hardware and software configurations. If an adequate amount of swap space is not available on your machine, a window pops up and displays the amount of additional swap space needed.

• Latest SunVTS news--Refer to the /opt/SUNWvts/README file for the latest SunVTS updates.