Chapter 7: File System Management

Overview

SOLARIS 9 EXAM OBJECTIVES COVERED IN THIS CHAPTER:

• Describe the purpose, features, and functions of disk-based, distributed, and pseudo file systems in a Solaris operating environment and explain the differences among these file system types.

• Explain when and how to create a new ufs file system using the newfs command, check the file system using fsck, resolve file system inconsistencies, and monitor file system usage using associated commands.

• Explain the purpose and function of the vfstab file in mounting ufs file systems, and the function of the mnttab file in tracking current mounts.

• Explain how to perform mounts and unmounts, and either access or restrict access to mounted diskettes and CD-ROMs.

Before you can store files on a Solaris-based hard disk, you must create file systems in which to store the files. In Chapter 6, "Device and Disk Management," you looked at managing hard disks from a higher level. That is, you looked at adding, slicing, and formatting the disks. Creating file systems is the last step in the hard disk preparation process. After the disk is sliced and formatted, and a file system is created, files can be stored.

Solaris doesn't only support file systems on local hard disks. File systems located on remote disks can be used, as well as pseudo or virtual file systems. In this chapter, you'll take a detailed look at each of these file system types, including how to create and manage them.

You will also examine how to mount and unmount file systems, and look at two critical files used in file system management: /etc/mnttab and /etc/vfstab. Finally, you will explore removable media, namely floppy disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, and removable memory cards.

This chapter is the final chapter that discusses hard disk management for Part I of the Solaris Certified Systems Administrator exam. Ideally, by the end of this chapter, you will have a solid understanding of disk management, from installing the disk to being able to store files on it.