| Previous | Table of Contents | Next |
by Advanced Information Systems, Inc.
Often one of the biggest challenges related to an Oracle database is the installation of the database management system software. Under some operating systems, such as Windows NT, this process is relatively easy. There is a defined standard for binary files and it is merely a process of copying software and updating the Registry. However, under other operating systems it can be a challenge. The Oracle software needs to be linked with object code from the operating system and with itself. This can be a complicated process that requires operating system setups, correct paths, and a bit of effort.
This chapter is devoted to providing some advice on how to plan for an Oracle installation. Its goal is to minimize the headaches associated with the installation process. In my experience, a disciplined approach in which you carefully sketch out your plan and then test it is best. I will go over the various planning steps to consider when you are laying out your new system. Chapter 6, “Installation and Upgrades” will cover the actual installation and upgrade process.
One of Oracle’s strengths is that it works on platforms ranging from PCs to mainframes. There are a variety of operating systems that are supported. Each of these operating systems has certain standards that it enforces when it comes to installations. By far, one of the easiest Oracle installations is the one for Windows NT (Intel). Here you are guaranteed to have a graphical user interface and a standard operating system API (Win32). You go through a simple wizard interface, answer a few questions, copy some files, update the Registry, and you are off and running.
Not all of the installations of the Oracle database management system have these advantages. For example, while most modern UNIX systems support a graphical user interface (usually X Window/Motif based), most of their installations do not have graphical consoles. The users access the operating system through a character-based interface such as a telnet session. Also, the UNIX operating system is a bit of a collage. It is a collection of a number of programs written by different authors. You have a choice as to what you install and often get to choose where you put it. This makes the task of the Oracle installation script developers quite challenging. They have to deal with operating systems that have more variations. There have been only three versions of the Windows NT operating system that were really serious database platforms. However, most UNIX operating systems are updated frequently. They also contain a number of patches to their core components, some of which are required for Oracle to function properly.
I could go on for quite some time, but I think that you get the key points. Oracle installations can be a bit tricky. The process also varies between the various operating systems that Oracle supports. Finally, the installation process continues to be worked on by Oracle developers. You will follow a slightly different series of steps between various release levels of Oracle.
| Previous | Table of Contents | Next |