System Requirements and Recommendations

Table 4-1 Memory, Swap, and Processor Recommendations

Requirement Type

Size

Memory to install or upgrade

SPARC: 512 MB is the recommended size. 128 MB is the minimum size.
x86: 512 MB is the recommended size. 256 MB is the minimum size.

Note - Some optional installation features are enabled only when sufficient memory is present. For example, if your system has insufficient memory and you install from a DVD, you install through the Solaris installation program 's text installer, not through the GUI. For more information about these memory requirements, see Table 4-2.

Swap area

512 MB is the default size.

Note - You might need to customize the swap space. Swap space is based on the size of the system's hard disk.

Processor requirements

SPARC: 200–MHz or faster processor is required.
x86: 120–MHz or faster processor is recommended. Hardware floating-point support is required.

You can choose to install the software with a GUI or with or without a windowing environment. If there is sufficient memory, the GUI is displayed by default. Other environments are displayed by default if memory is insufficient for the GUI. You can override defaults with the nowin or text boot options. But, you are limited by the amount of memory in your system or by installing remotely. Also if the Solaris installation program does not detect a video adapter, it automatically displays in a console-based environment. Table 4-2 describes these environments and lists minimal memory requirements for displaying them.

Table 4-2 Memory Requirements for Display Options

Memory

Type of Installation

Description

SPARC: 64–511 MB
x86: 256–511 MB

Text-based

Contains no graphics, but provides a window and the ability to open other windows.

If you install by using the text boot option and the system has enough memory, you are installing in a windowing environment. If you are installing remotely through a tip line or using the nowin boot option, you are limited to the console-based installation.

SPARC: 512 MB or greater
x86: 512 MB

GUI-based

Provides windows, pull-down menus, buttons, scrollbars, and iconic images.