C H A P T E R 1 - How To Use This Guide

C H A P T E R 1

How To Use This Guide

Note - This guide is intended for users installing Linux software. For instructions on installing Solaris software, refer to the Solaris documentation.

This guide contains instructions for installing Linux operating system (OS) software to Sun Fire V20z and Sun Fire V40z servers. The section Sun trademark Installation Assistant CD explains how to use this CD for installing a Linux OS; this is an optional step.

The guide contains a separate chapter for each Linux OS that has been qualified for use with these servers by Sun Microsystems at the time of publishing.

For each operating system, instructions for installing from both disc media and from a networked PXE installation server are included. The appendix in this guide provides supplemental instructions for preconfiguring your network to support PXE installation.

Each of these chapters also contains detailed instructions for updating to the latest versions of the drivers and kernels that support server operation with each of these OSs.

Note - The system-administration procedures in this guide are intended for users with at least basic Linux administration experience.

To use this guide, follow these four steps:

1. Before you start the procedures in this guide, install your server hardware, perform initial service-processor configuration, and set up the network share volume (NSV) software on your server by performing the procedures in the Sun Fire V20z and Sun Fire V40z Servers Installation Guide (included on the Sun Fire V20z and Sun Fire V40z Servers Documentation and Support Files CD).

2. Determine which chapter to use, based on which OS you have chosen to install. Alternatively, you can use the Sun Installation Assistant CD to guide you through the installation procedures; the CD also automatically installs the most up-to-date SCSI and network drivers for your hardware. See Sun trademark Installation Assistant CD.

3. Determine whether you will install the OS from physical media (CD or DVD), or from a networked PXE installation server, then use the appropriate section in the chapter that corresponds to your OS. (If you have not already preconfigured your network to support PXE installation, you will be directed to perform the supplemental procedures in Appendix A of this guide.)

4. After installing the OS, use the instructions in the chapter that corresponds to your OS to update drivers and kernels to the most optimal versions available. In some cases, you will be directed to download sites, but many of the required network and SCSI driver files are included with your system on the Sun Fire V20z and Sun Fire V40z Servers Documentation and Support Files CD, as indicated in the procedures.