This article explains the mechanics of the boot process on the Solaris Operating System for x86 platforms so that you understand
what is needed to create a customized CD/DVD. It discusses both the hard disk and CD/DVD boot processes, and points out the
differences between the two.
There are a number of practical applications for this topic, including:
- Jumpstart Software â The feature in Solaris that allows access to Solaris installation media and configuration rules
over a network
- Diagnostics â The ability to create a bootable CD for the purpose of diagnosing system problems without accessing or
modifying the copy of the operating system that is installed on the target system
- Restoration â The ability to create a bootable CD with tools that aid in the repair and restoration of a down system
- Diskless clients that cannot do PXE bootingâPXE is a DHCP-based network-based installation technology similar to
Solaris Jumpstart. Some older x86-based system are incapable of using PXE
- Canned FirewallâThe creation of a bootable CD that starts Solaris on a system configured with multiple network interfaces.
A preset ipf configuration is then used to establish a network firewall on that system.
This article begins by examining the layout of a hard disk in the x86 architecture and the components on it that are used for booting.
It then describes the pieces that are unique to a CD boot. Finally, this article puts the pieces together and creates an image file
that can be burned to CD.
Note: This article is available in PDF Format only.
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