How to Install Solaris 10 OS

Solaris 10 is an operating system developed by Sun Microsystems. It is a Unix-based design, incorporating an open-source platform with the increased functionality of a Java-enabled Graphical User Interface (GUI). It is an advanced OS, drawing more computer -savvy users than Windows or Mac OS. However, anyone can install and use Solaris effectively.

Things You'll Need

• Solaris compatible computer
• Solaris 10 OS

Instructions

1. Head to the Sun Microsystems website and download the Solaris 10 OS installer program (see Resources below). It is important to choose the appropriate format depending on your CPU. Select x86 for a 32-bit processor or x64 for a 64-bit processor.

2. Set the OS to download to a location that you can easily find. The best location for downloads you plan on using right away is the desktop.

3. Register your download within the Sun Download Center on the Sun Microsystems website. Registering your operating system will give you immediate access to help files and support should you have trouble installing it.

4. Be sure to read and accept the End-User License Agreement. You will not be allowed to complete the download without accepting the terms and conditions the EULA sets forth.

5. Burn the downloaded file to CD or DVD depending on the format you chose. You may burn the file to disk using your current operating system's burn features, or you can choose a separate burn application.

6. Shut down your computer.

7. Restart your computer and set it to start in setup mode. Many computers can be set to setup mode by pressing F2 or F8 on the Startup screen.

8. Set the boot drive as the drive containing the Solaris 10 OS disk you created.

9. Restart your system again. It should automatically load the Solaris 10 OS boot disk you created from the downloaded file.

10. Follow the onscreen prompts through the rest of the installation. These prompts will vary depending on the download version of Solaris you chose.

Tips & Warnings

• Partition your hard drive or add a second hard drive if you want to use more than one operating system with your computer. It's possible to have one partition reserved for Windows, for example, and another partition reserved for Solaris 10.

• Always check your system's compatibility prior to attempting an install of the Solaris OS. If elements of your system are not compatible with Solaris, you will need to upgrade them to be Solaris compliant.

Resources

• The Solaris 10 Hardware Compatibility List from Sun.com
• Download Solaris 10 at Sun.com
• Solaris 10 Self Help at Sun.com