Chapter 3: System Initialization and Shutdown

Overview

SOLARIS 9 EXAM OBJECTIVES COVERED IN THIS CHAPTER:

• Explain how to execute boot PROM commands to: identify the system's boot PROM version; boot the system; access detailed information; list, change, and restore default NVRAM parameters; display devices connected to the bus; identify the system's boot device; create and remove custom device aliases; view and change NVRAM parameters from the shell; and interrupt a hung system.

• Given a scenario involving a hung system, troubleshoot problems and deduce resolutions.

• Explain how to perform a system boot, control boot processes, and complete a system shutdown, using associated directories, scripts, and commands.

Understanding the Solaris boot process will help eliminate many potential boot problems and enable you to effectively troubleshoot any boot problems that do arise. On SPARC-based Solaris systems, the boot process is divided into two major categories: the boot PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory) and system initialization.

The boot PROM, officially called the OpenBoot PROM, isn't directly part of Solaris. Rather, it is firmware stored on the motherboard and it runs before Solaris does. OpenBoot is in operation from the time the power is turned on and is responsible for loading the Solaris operating environment.

Intel-based Solaris computers do not have an OpenBoot PROM. Instead, Intel-based computers have a system BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) that controls the boot process. Although the BIOS performs many of the same tasks as OpenBoot, it typically lacks the complete functionality provided by OpenBoot.

After Solaris is initialized, there are many ways the boot process can unfold. The SPARC and Intel platforms use different boot files. But regardless of your platform, booting Solaris requires selecting a run level and executing the proper run control scripts, ultimately providing access to system resources. Shutting down Solaris properly also requires the use of scripts.

In this chapter, you will look at the OpenBoot PROM, including configuration, diagnostic, and boot options, followed by an overview of the Intel boot process. Then you will learn how to properly boot the Solaris operating environment, as well as how to properly shut down Solaris and troubleshoot a hung system.