---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Announcing SunOS 4.1.1 SunFLASH Vol 23 #10 November 1990 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS: ------------------- - SunOS 4.1.1 includes support for new hardware, major performance enhancements, convenience features and bug fixes - First SunOS release to include OpenWindows - Includes all of SunOS 4.1 features - SVR4 development tools, standards, internationalization and security - Fully binary compatible with SunOS 4.1 and 4.1 PSR A - Default SunOS transitions to SunOS 4.1.1 on November 16 ANNOUNCEMENT BRIEF ------------------ SunOS 4.1.1 maintains binary compatiblity with SunOS 4.1 and 4.1 PSR A allowing it to be considered a micro release, however it also includes significant performance enhancements, support for new hardware and new convenience features in addition to over 250 bug fixes. Performance tuning at the system level and SCSI level provide up to 3 times improvement of I/O throughput. SunOS 4.1.1 now includes a part of Sun Database Excelerator providing up to 10 times performance improvement of applications using large amounts of virtual memory, such as LISP, AI and database applications. Between bug fixes and performance tuning of the /tmp file system (tmpfs) applications using several temporary files, such as compilers, now execute between 15% and 20% faster. OpenWindows Version 2 is bundled with SunOS 4.1.1 providing ISVs with the full developer's environment. The OpenWindows and XGL runtime environments are pre-installed for end-users. Also, the end-user will benefit from the improved system installation and startup, allowing them to log in directly to their preferred window system. A new file system is available (PCFS) allowing the transfer of data on floppies between MS-DOS file systems and UNIX file systems. Several new utilities for the System Administrator aid in adding new users, restoring a pre-installed disk, displaying system configuration information and upgrading large work group computing environments to new OS releases. SunOS 4.1.1 is an extremely high quality release, incorporating many bug fixes while maintaining binary compatibility with SunOS 4.1 and 4.1 PSR A. SunOS 4.1.1 continues the bridge to SVR4 by providing all the development tools necessary for producing SVR4 compatible applications, in addition to continuing to provide the internationalization, standards and security features of SunOS 4.1. SunOS 4.1.1 FEATURES AND BENEFITS: --------------------------------- Performance Feature Benefit ------------------- ------- Improved MMU management algorithm Provides up to 10X performance improvement on large memory systems for applications with large virtual memory requirements or several processes I/O Clustering Delivers up to 3X performance improvement of I/O throughput /tmp File System (tmpfs) Provides significant performance improvement of applications using several temporary files (i.e. compiles) Synchronous SCSI Improves SCSI data transfer rate for some configurations Convenience Feature Benefit ------------------- ------- OpenWindows Version 2 Provides OpenWindows runtime environment without purchasing additional software or license XGL Graphics Runtime Libraries Provides XGL 2D & 3D graphics runtime environment without purchasing an additional license - eliminates need for ISV to distribute libraries Improved system startup Enables non-technical user to install, boot up and login to windowing system with minimal UNIX knowledge PC file system Allows transfer of data between MS-DOS format and UNIX on local workstation re-preinstall command Easily restores disk to pre-installed factory condition Multiple OS releases on single server Facilitates transitions to new OS releases showrev command Displays system information simplifying system administration and customer support add_user command Automates process of adding a new user SCSI parity error checking Facilitates graceful recovery from SCSI data transfer errors Compressed tapes 2 tapes per set - allows re-preinstall and quickinstall from a single tape Hardware and Software Considerations ------------------------------------ Support for SPARCserver 390, SPARCserver 490 and SPARCsystem 470 is included in SunOS 4.1.1 for deskside and server SPARC platforms. SunOS 4.1.1 is pre-installed on all Desktop SPARCstations, however, the OpenWindows runtime environment is not included on the SS1+ disk due to size constraints. SunOS 4.1.1 supports all Motorola platforms, however pre-installed 3/80s will continue shipping with SunOS 4.1. Sun QuickCheck 1.0 enables file systems to be brought on-line more quickly when rebooting. However, portions of Sun QuickCheck 1.0 are mutually exclusive with portions of the SunOS 4.1.1 I/O performance enhancements. Customers can still bring SunOS 4.1.1 file systems on line more quickly by installing QuickCheck's Fast File System Checking module. See the SunOS 4.1.1 Release Manual for details. Need-to-know Facts ------------------ o All SPARCstation 2 configurations require SunOS 4.1.1 o All GS or GT configurations require SunOS 4.1.1 o SunOS 4.1 is the last OS release on floppies or 1/2" tape for Desktop SPARCsystems (sun-4c architecture) o SunOS 4.1.1 is the last OS release for Motorola platforms o SunOS 4.1.1 CD includes binaries for all platforms o SunOS 4.1.1 Encryption Kit and Basic Source Code now available on CD-ROM o Only the Release Minibox portion of the Full Documentation Set has changed to reflect SunOS 4.1.1 - also includes OpenWindows End-user Manuals SunOS, OpenWindows, XGL, and ONC are trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. SPARC is a registered trademark of SPARC International, Inc. SPARCstation and SPARCware are trademarks of SPARC International, Inc., licensed exclusively to Sun Microsystems, Inc. Products bearing SPARC trademarks are based on an architecture developed by Sun Microsystems, Inc. UNIX and OPEN LOOK are registered trademarks UNIX System Laboratories, Inc. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sunflash is an electronic mail news service from Sun Microsystems, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA. It is targeted at Sun Users and Customers. For additional information about SunFlash send mail to info-sunflash@sunvice.East.Sun.COM SunFlash is distributed via a hierarchy of aliases. Try to address change requests to the owner of the alias that you belong to. If you want to be added to the SunFlash alias, please contact the systems engineers at your local Sun office and/or send mail to sunflash-request@sunvice.East.Sun.COM. All prices, availability, and other statements relating to Sun or third party products are valid in the U.S. only. Please contact your local Sales Representative for details of pricing and product availability in your region. 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