ask | dr. root

That's an excellent question. The OpenSolaris community has been developing monitoring scripts for DTrace, using the scripting language "D" which comes bundled with this application, since its release. Around 100 useful documented scripts have already been compiled into a DTraceToolkit, which is available from the OpenSolaris website at: http://www.opensolaris.org/os/community/dtrace/dtracetoolkit/

You should definitely be able to find what you're looking for in the DTraceToolkit.

The DTraceToolkit is updated as new scripts are developed, so regularly check for newer versions too.

I would recommend you first check whether the software package you're looking for, isn't already included in Solaris 10. The latest version of Solaris ships with 188 leading open source packages -- pre-compiled and ready for use. You can view the list of software packages included in Solaris 10 at: http://www.sun.com/software/solaris/freeware/

If what you're looking for, isn't available in Solaris 10, then I recommend you visit Steve Christensen's excellent website, Sunfreeware.com. Steve's site is the #1 resource for free software packages for Solaris, from version 2.5 to 10, for both SPARC and x86 architectures.

With over 30 gigabytes of free resources on offer, there's a good chance you will find what you need.

The Consolidation Tool for Sun Fire Servers V1.0, Sun Fire T1000 and T2000 Edition, is now available from sun.com.

The tool is designed to simplify the task of consolidating multiple applications onto the Sun Fire T1000 or T2000 platform.

In particular, it allows the easy definition and creation of Solaris Containers, deploys applications into processor sets where appropriate, and allocates CPUs into processor sets in a way that optimises performance. The software also takes full advantage of Solaris Containers (including Solaris Zones partitioning technology, pools, psets, and scheduling classes), making intelligent choices between full-root and sparse zones.

In addition, the tool installs versions of key public domain software on the target Sun Fire T1000 or T2000 system.

The functionality is achieved using a simple, easy-to-use interface with context-sensitive help. Configuration details are saved to allow the configuration to be reused easily on other Sun Fire T1000 or T2000 systems.

The tool is being made available as an open source, unsupported application.

For more information and to download this tool, visit:
http://www.sun.com/bigadmin/content/consolidation_tool/

Sun has published a series of How-To Guides for Solaris 10. Topics include:

• Managing ZFS in Solaris 10 Containers:
  Highlights the capabilities of ZFS when coupled with Solaris Containers
  
• How to Quickly Install the Solaris 10 1/06 OS:
  Instructs users how to install the Solaris 10 OS on a Sun supported x64 or x86 system
  
• Consolidating Servers and Applications:
  Instructs users, system admins, and developers on how to consolidate applications onto a single server
  
• How to use DTrace from a Solaris 10 System:
  Helps a new user learn how to use DTrace for gathering and using system and application information
  
• Eliminating Web Page Hijacking:
  Instructs system admins and security professionals in the process of securing common Web servers.
  

To view these guides, go to www.hos.horizon.ie/solaris.