Need Solaris Help Please!

Tiff_2

Good morning everyone.

Help!!!
I'm a computer novice and I took advantage of the free Solaris 10 offer in PC Shopper posted lasted November (?).
Someone kindly reminded us that the registration deadline is a few days away so I tried to install it last night.

I have 3 discs, 1 page of fairly useless info and a big headache!
2 of the discs say Operating Systems and the 3rd says Tools.
I just can't find out how to install the blessed thing! Could not get it to work.
Please can someone tell me how to do it in idiot-speak? I'm running XP Pro.

I also got the PC Pro yesterday with free Quark 5.0 etc and had no trouble installing that product and some of the other freebies on it after trying to install and failing with Solaris.

I'd appreciate any help available. Thanks guys.
Much Love,
Tiff xxx

HoofeHearted

Solaris is Sun Microsystems Unix Operating System. It is not an application that you can install and run under Windows XP. If you really need to use it, then you can create a dual-boot system. Have a look here for instructions. http://www.daniweb.com/techtalkforums/thread33009.html

Tiff_2

Thanks for your reply hun.
It sounds complex. It says on the page "locate the Solaris DVD for your system (SPARC DVD or x64/x86 DVD)." Haven't a clue as I said.
I did have the impression that it would work on XP, so I guess that's not the case. When I put either of the above DVDs into the drive, it starts up on autoplay and then runs lists of files. The startup menu doesn't list it as being a new programme or list it at all. I'm off to sulk now! Thanks.
Much Love,
Tiff xxx

patwa_2

Hi, you are installing a new operating system, similar to Windows XP or Windows 95 but made by Sun Microsystems. As such, you would either need to wipe your drive (nont recommended) or create a new partition and run both operating systems side by side in a dual boot configuration, see link above. You could then install games, programs, etc that run on Solaris.

Your DVD's probably won't install from within Windows, hence why you're getting just the files and no installer/application. Try putting the X86 (which is probably the one for you unless you specifically know you're running a 64-bit system, which wouldn't be the case unless you've upgraded your system within the last year) and restart your computer. The DVD should start. If it doesn't, we'll have to check that you've got it set to starts discs automatically when the computer starts.

Please think carefully about whether you want to do this. Yes, experimenting with something new is great, but an operating system is no mean feat, it's not something you can learn in a day. I'm not trying to discourage you, but I installed Linux on a spare box in September and am still working out how to use even the most basic features of it nearly six months on, let alone installing anything on top of it.

BillScarab

Why do you want to run Solaris? It's primarily aimed at businesses, if you want an alternative to Windows XP have a look at Linux, particularly the Ubuntu distribution. That would be far more suitable for home use. You would still need to create a dual boot system unless you want to remove Windows completely however.

I can't really think of any applications that will only run on Solaris that the average home user would want to use.

If you really, really really want to install Solaris let us know. I build and maintain Solaris systems for a living so can probably give you some advice.

Although as others have said the best advice is DON'T!!!

Tiff_2

Hi everyone.
Thank you for all your expert advice - I'll stick with XP!:T
I guess it just goes to show that it's only a bargain if you need it and can use it.;) Still it was worth a try for £3.99.
Best wishes to all.
Much Love,
Tiff xxx