Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
File mode
➤
Owner
➤
Group
➤
Size (in bytes)
➤
Checksum
➤
Timestamp
➤
Package name(s)
➤
Entries for symbolic links, special files, and other components use variations
of this format. The Software Installation Database should not be edited.
However, entries can be manually added using the
installf(1M)
command
or removed using the
removef(1M)
command.
Package Administration Using Graphical
Tools
Although it is not covered by the test objectives for 310-014, the system
administration tool (
admintool
), the Product Registry tool, and the Web
Start program can be used to install and remove packages.
Patch Administration
A
patch
is a collection of files intended to update or fix problems with
installed software. For example, a patch might be required to fix a problem
with a system command or to address a security issue. Because most system
and application software is installed as packages, patches are applied against
one or more packages. Actually, patches are special packages that update
other packages. Like packages, a collection of patches can be grouped
together into a
patch cluster
.
The abilities to obtain and install patches, keep track of installed patches, and
occasionally remove patches are key skills of a competent system administrator.
Obtaining Patches and Patch Information
Patches can be obtained from Sun Microsystems. Customers who purchase
a SunSpectrum service contract have access to an online patch database and
an extended set of patches. Patches can be downloaded from Sun's Web site
