What You Should Know About Accessing the ok Prompt

It is important to understand that when you access the ok prompt from a functioning Sun Fire V490 system, you are suspending the Solaris OS software and placing the system under firmware control. Any processes that were running under the Solaris OS software are also suspended, and the state of such processes may not be recoverable.

The firmware-based tests and commands you run from the ok prompt have the potential to affect the state of the system. This means that it is not always possible to resume execution of the Solaris OS software from the point at which it was suspended. Although the go command will resume execution in most circumstances, in general, each time you drop the system down to the ok prompt, you should expect to have to reboot it to get back to the Solaris OS environment.

As a rule, before suspending the Solaris OS software, you should back up files, warn users of the impending shutdown, and halt the system in an orderly manner. However, it is not always possible to take such precautions, especially if the system is malfunctioning.

Ways of Reaching the ok Prompt

There are several ways to get to the ok prompt, depending on the state of the system and the means by which you are accessing the system console. In order of desirability, these are:

Graceful halt

Stop-A or Break key sequence

Externally initiated reset (XIR)

Manual system reset

A discussion of each method follows. For instructions, see “How to Get to the ok Prompt” on page 126.

Graceful Halt

The preferred method of reaching the ok prompt is to halt the operating system software by issuing an appropriate command (for example, the shutdown, init, halt, or uadmin command) as described in Solaris system administration documentation.

50 Sun Fire V490 Server Administration Guide • August 2004

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Sun Microsystems V490 What You Should Know About Accessing the ok Prompt, Ways of Reaching the ok Prompt, Graceful Halt

V490 specifications

Sun Microsystems V490 is a robust, high-performance server that was launched in the mid-2000s. It is part of Sun's Enterprise line of servers, specifically designed to meet the needs of businesses requiring reliability, scalability, and efficiency in their computing environments. The V490 is well-regarded for its versatility and ability to handle demanding applications.

At the heart of the V490 is its support for the UltraSPARC IV processor. The server can be configured to contain up to four processors, allowing it to deliver exceptional parallel processing capabilities. The UltraSPARC IV architecture enhances throughput and efficiency, making it suitable for enterprise applications and database management tasks.

One of the standout features of the V490 is its memory capacity. The server can support up to 64 GB of RAM, which allows for extensive caching and improved performance for memory-intensive applications. Coupled with a high bandwidth architecture, the V490 ensures that data can be processed quickly and effectively.

The V490 also emphasizes storage flexibility. It comes equipped with multiple disk drive bays, allowing for a combination of SATA and SAS drives. This flexibility enables businesses to tailor their storage solutions according to their specific performance and redundancy requirements. The V490 supports hot-swappable drives, making maintenance and upgrades considerably easier without taking the server offline.

In terms of connectivity, the Sun V490 features a variety of networking options. It includes multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports, ensuring high-speed data transfer and redundancy. Additionally, the server supports advanced input/output capabilities, making it compatible with various peripherals and external storage solutions.

Sun Microsystems V490 runs on the Solaris operating system, known for its stability and security. This OS enhances the server's performance while providing a reliable platform for mission-critical applications. The V490 also supports virtualization technologies, allowing organizations to run multiple operating systems and applications on a single hardware platform, thus optimizing resource utilization.

Another key characteristic of the V490 is its thermal efficiency. The server is designed with an advanced cooling system that minimizes energy consumption while maximizing performance. This focus on power efficiency aligns with modern data center requirements for sustainability and reduced operational costs.

In summary, the Sun Microsystems V490 is a powerful enterprise server that combines the latest processing technologies, substantial memory and storage capabilities, and robust networking options. Its scalability, along with advanced virtualization support and energy-efficient design, makes it a suitable choice for organizations looking to enhance their IT infrastructure. The V490 remains a testament to Sun Microsystems' commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable computing solutions.