Chapter 8. Web Start

Web start 3.0 is Sun’s Java-based installation program that simplifies the installation of Solaris software. Web Start uses a graphical user interface that guides you step by step through the installation of the operating system and additional software from the CD-ROM. Web Start is described first in this chapter.

Another tool called Web Start Flash can be used to install the software from an archive image located somewhere on the network. An archive image, or Flash image, is a snapshot of a particular Solaris environment and includes all installed patches, customizations, and third-party applications. Don’t confuse the two installation methods, even though they share similar names. Whereas Web Start is used to configure and install single systems, Web Start Flash enables you to replicate, or clone, a Solaris environment across many similar systems. Web Start Flash is described following the Web Start section of this chapter.