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Implementing the Solaris OS, x86 Platform Edition, on Your Desktop or LaptopThe Solaris Operating System, x86 Platform Edition, while making for an optimal server platform, is often overlooked as a viable solution for a desktop or laptop environment. This short resource list can help you get up and running with Solaris x86 on a desktop or laptop. Free Binary License ProgramThe Solaris x86 OS has a free binary license program that is available to developers and educational users for implementations of one CPU. Additionally, there is no license fee for a 60-day evaluation period. For the full details of the license, refer to: License upgrades for commercial use begin at $99; for more information, refer to: Get Solaris x86 SoftwareEven though you may be planning to use the free binary license, you will still need to get a copy of the media somehow. It is available for low-cost download, or you may purchase a media kit. If you download the media, you must be able to burn CDs to perform the installation. You can download the software here: Choosing the Hardware PlatformThe Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) lists systems and components in three categories: Sun Certified, Test Suite Certified, and Reported to Work. We encourage you to submit tested items that are not listed for inclusion on the HCL. You may also look at the Solaris 8 HCL as an additional resource for items that the Solaris 9 OS can run on; although these have not been individually tested, most are expected to work. You may also find some other community-based HCLs useful, such as the laptop list or device list from Bolthole.com: Installing the Solaris x86 OSAfter its publication, you will be able to use the Solaris x86 Installation guide to walk you though the installation. This document is expected to show you the tips and tricks the experts use to get Solaris x86 up and running. In getting your system components, to work with the Solaris x86 OS, the following may be helpful. Audio drivers: Basic sound blaster compatible drivers are available, as is a Creative Labs PCI128 card support for the 1370/1371 chipset. This is included in Solaris x86. Juergen Keil's web site also has some audio drivers for Intel 810/815/840/440MX,VIA chipsets: Also available is the Open Sound System (OSS) from 4Front Technologies:
Wireless drivers: This is one area that is somewhat of a sore thumb at the moment, but users hope things will change soon. Many people that use a laptop want to have wireless access these days. LynnSoft has support for several wireless cards. Multiboot: The best source for multiboot information is Solaris x86 Org. See Mariusz Zynel's information: Learning About the Solaris OSIf you are not familiar with the Solaris platform, these links may be helpful: Setting Up Your Desktop ApplicationsGet all the key pieces you need for your desktop or laptop environment, as seen in the following table.
Troubleshooting and Additional ResourcesAmong the resources we list here, Dan Anderson has maintained the Solaris FAQ on http://sun.drydog.com/ for quite some time. This is the official Solaris x86 FAQ, and it answers many questions that people may have. In addition, Casper Dik has been maintaining the Solaris 2 FAQ for quite a while, and it contains a lot of useful information for Solaris x86.
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