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9.4.4 POST and OpenBoot

POST and OpenBoot work together in the system to test and manage system hardware.

POST resides in the OpenBoot PROM on each CPU/Memory board, I/O board, and Disk board. When the system is turned on, or if a system reset is issued, POST detects and tests buses, power supplies, boards, CPUs, SIMMs, and many board functions. POST controls the status LEDs on the system front panel and all boards. POST displays diagnostic and error messages on a console terminal, if available.

Only POST can configure the system hardware, and only POST can enable hot- pluggable boards. If a new unit (board or modular power supply) is added to the card cage after the system has booted, the new unit will not work until the system is rebooted, at which time POST reconfigures the system, using the units that are found in the system at that time.

OpenBoot provides basic environmental monitoring, including detection of overheating conditions and out-of-tolerance voltages. For example, if an overheated board is found, OpenBoot issues a warning message. If the temperature passes the danger level, POST will put the overheated board(s) in low power mode.

OpenBoot also provides a set of commands and diagnostics at the ok prompt. For example, you can use OpenBoot to set NVRAM variables that reserve a board or a set of SIMMs for hot-sparing.

The following OpenBoot commands may be useful for diagnosing problems:

9.4.4.1show-devs Command

Use the show-devscommand to list the devices that are included in the system configuration.

9.4.4.2printenv Command

Use the printenv command to display the system configuration variables stored in the system NVRAM. The display includes the current values for these variables, as well as the default values.

Troubleshooting Overview

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Sun Microsystems 5000, 4000, 6000 manual Post and OpenBoot, Show-devs Command

4000, 5000, 6000 specifications

Sun Microsystems, a pivotal player in the computing industry during the late 20th and early 21st centuries, was renowned for its innovative hardware and software solutions. Among its notable offerings were the Sun-6000, Sun-5000, and Sun-4000 series, powerful workstations and servers designed for a range of enterprise-level applications.

The Sun-6000 series, introduced in the early 1990s, marked a significant advancement in computing performance. These systems were built on the SPARC architecture, which facilitated high levels of processing power and multitasking capabilities. One of the main features of the 6000 series was its scalability, allowing organizations to increase their processing power by adding more modules. It also offered robust graphics performance, making it ideal for scientific visualization and complex data analysis.

Next in line was the Sun-5000 series. Launched shortly after the 6000 series, the 5000 line was celebrated for its reliability and ease of management. This series emphasized a balanced architecture, which combined processing capabilities with ample memory and storage options. Key characteristics included support for multiple processors, leading to improved performance for demanding applications. Additionally, the 5000 systems featured advanced input/output capabilities, ensuring fast data transfers—crucial for database applications and web servers.

Finally, the Sun-4000 series targeted businesses seeking affordable yet potent computing solutions. These servers boasted a modular design, allowing for easy upgrades and maintenance. The 4000 series was particularly notable for its support for various operating systems, including SunOS and Solaris. These systems were engineered to handle a range of workloads, from enterprise resource planning to web hosting, while still fitting into a value-driven budget.

Across all three series, Sun Microsystems prioritized compatibility and integration, ensuring that each system offered seamless connectivity with Sun's software solutions and third-party applications. Their commitment to open standards and interoperability set them apart in the competitive landscape of enterprise computing. Additionally, the use of high-quality components lent the systems durability, making them a wise investment for organizations looking to future-proof their IT infrastructure.

In summary, the Sun-6000, 5000, and 4000 series exemplified Sun Microsystems' ethos of innovation and reliability. These powerful systems catered to diverse business needs, setting benchmarks in performance and functionality that continue to influence modern computing.