Gracefully halting the system prevents data loss, allows you to warn users beforehand, and causes minimal disruption. You can usually perform a graceful halt, provided Solaris OS software is running and the hardware has not experienced serious failure.

Stop-A (L1-A) or Break Key Sequence

When it is impossible or impractical to halt the system gracefully, you can get to the ok prompt by typing the Stop-A (or L1-A) key sequence from a Sun keyboard, or, if you have an alphanumeric terminal attached to the Sun Fire V490 system, by pressing the Break key.

If you use this method to reach the ok prompt, be aware that issuing certain OpenBoot commands (like probe-scsi, probe-scsi-all, and probe-ide) may hang the system.

Externally Initiated Reset (XIR)

Generating an externally initiated reset (XIR) has the advantage of allowing you to issue the sync command to preserve file systems and produce a dump file of part of the system state for diagnostic purposes. Forcing an XIR may be effective in breaking the deadlock that is hanging up the system, but it also precludes the orderly shutdown of applications, and so it is not the preferred method of reaching the ok prompt.

Manual System Reset

Reaching the ok prompt by performing a manual system reset should be the method of last resort. Doing this results in the loss of all system coherence and state information. It also corrupts the machine’s file systems, although the fsck command usually restores them. Use this method only if nothing else works.

Caution – Forcing a manual system reset results in loss of system state data and risks corrupting your file systems.

For More Information

For more information about the OpenBoot firmware, see:

OpenBoot 4.x Command Reference Manual

Chapter 4 Network Interfaces and System Firmware 51

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Sun Microsystems V490 manual For More Information, Stop-A L1-A or Break Key Sequence, Externally Initiated Reset XIR

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.