Web Start

Installing the OS using Web Start is very similar to the suninstall method described in Chapter 6, “Installing the Solaris 9 Software.” Web Start uses a graphical interface, but it also provides access to documentation, utilities, and an Internet browser via the Web Start installation kiosk, whereas the suninstall method did not. In addition, you can install third-party applications from within Web Start, whereas the suninstall installation method had you install third-party applications later. After reading this section, you’ll see the advantages of using Web Start over the suninstall interactive method of installation. One disadvantage of Web Start is that it takes longer to install the OS. This is because Web Start copies approximately 385MB of data from the CD-ROM onto your hard drive before the installation dialog begins. This takes time and additional disk space.

If you’re setting up a system that includes a frame buffer, keyboard, and monitor, you can run Web Start directly from that machine. If you only have a character-based terminal connected via the serial port, you can still use Web Start’s command-line interface (CLI), but you will not be able to take advantage of Web Start’s GUI.