How it works
Know the host
Record the OS release, hardware architecture and virtualization context before making changes.
Establish recovery
Confirm ZFS root pool health and create a boot environment before invasive software updates.
Observe services
SMF owns service dependencies and persistent service state.
Worked examples
Each example explains the question it answers, a reproducible starting point, what to look for, and operational precautions.
1. Host identity
Use this as a starting point for host identity.
uname -a
cat /etc/release
virtinfo -aInterpretation: Check command output against the expected host configuration; record the before/after state.
Operational note: Run commands in a test environment first; confirm device names, privileges and release-specific options.
2. Storage baseline
Use this as a starting point for storage baseline.
zpool status -v
zfs list -o name,used,avail,mountpointInterpretation: Check command output against the expected host configuration; record the before/after state.
Operational note: Run commands in a test environment first; confirm device names, privileges and release-specific options.
3. Services and faults
Use this as a starting point for services and faults.
svcs -xv
fmadm faultyInterpretation: Check command output against the expected host configuration; record the before/after state.
Operational note: Run commands in a test environment first; confirm device names, privileges and release-specific options.
4. Software and boot environments
Use this as a starting point for software and boot environments.
pkg list -u
beadm listInterpretation: Check command output against the expected host configuration; record the before/after state.
Operational note: Run commands in a test environment first; confirm device names, privileges and release-specific options.
Primary documentation
Read the relevant Oracle documentation for exact version-specific flags, supported platforms and limitations: Oracle primary reference ↗.
This field manual is independent, not affiliated with or endorsed by Oracle. Command examples should be adapted to your environment.