gdas wrote:
>
>
> Is my lack more advanced unix experience an issue in regards to being
> a DBA for an Oracle server on unix? If so, what exactly do I need to
> be familiar with about the Unix OS?
As soon as the database is installed it shouldn't be a big issue.
Basically most parts are the same on every platform. But it might be a
good ideo to attend some course. Here in Switzerland several education
providers offer courses for system administration for Oracle DBAs.
>
> Probably everything I have ever done with oracle on windows has been
> through sql*plus (from a remote client), svrmgrl or through a text
> editor (modifying the init/tns/sqlnet .ora files). I've also copied
> files around for backups, aside from that I am not doing much of
> anything at the OS level. Even most of the monitoring scripts I have
> rewritten run from remote machines and not physically on the database
> server.
Basically you can do the same on a unix box.
>
> I can do all of the above regardless of whether the DB is Windows,
> Unix or whatever OS.
>
> There was a time several months ago where I had to add a new physical
> disk and extend a raid partition. I know how to do this in Windows...
> wouldn't even know where to begin on a Sun box.
>
> I assume the biggest challenges are the initial installation of the
> oracle software on unix? Would that be correct? Does Oracle on Unix
> require more intimate knowledge of the OS? Do OS level parameters
> have to be configured that do not apply on Windows?
You are right, this is the part where you will experience the most
differences. There are some parameters (kernel parameters) you have to
set in Solaris and you have to be careful about the environment when you
install the datafase (set all recommended envirnoment varibles!). Also
there are some traps in handling CDs (e. g. if you start the installaer
from the CD you will not be able to change it to put in the second CD).
>
> We have a consultant working for us part-time, 2 days a week (or on an
> as needed basis). He's a unix guru, but he doesn't know Oracle... but
> I do. Can the two of us together, be successful in making this happen
> (eventually the consultant's knowledge would trickle over to me)? Or
> would you suggest I stay with windows?
In my opinion the two of you should be able to install the database
together. Just take care that you exactly follow the instructions in the
installation manual regarding Solaris installation. I am of the opinion
that for larger databases Unix Systems (Solaris, HP-UX or AIX) are the
better choice than Windows systems because they scale to much larger
systems and because these OSes are built to run as servers in the
background.
Additionally I would consider it as a good chance to improve your
systems knowledge wich can be a plus in your future career. When you
work with Unix for a while you will recognize that it is not that
difficoult to understand.
>
> Would appreciate any advice you have to offer.
>
> Thanks,
> Gavin
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Received on Fri Feb 15 2002 - 02:19:11 CST
