SUNFLASH ! ---------- Sunflash is an electronic mail news service from Sun Microsystems, Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Please address comments to John McLaughlin (sun!sunvice!johnj or johnmclaughlin@sun.COM). (305) 776-7770 -johnj ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sun386i SunOS 4.0.2 IS AVAILABLE NOW!!! Here's the release you've been waiting for. Beta and pre-release customers love it! Sun386i SunOS 4.0.2 is available NOW with: * Vastly improved DOS performance (over 300% for text apps like 1-2-3) * PC LAN compatibility with Novell * Over 400 UNIX and DOS bug fixes and enhancements * Updated documentation All it takes is: * 10 minutes to order the upgrade * $100 upgrade cost (per site) * 2 days to receive it (2nd day Fed Ex shipping) * 1 hour (or less) to install Sun will be sending direct mail to many customers to help get the word out. If you have a CSD software contract, no further action is required. You will be upgraded automatically in about two weeks. Otherwise, you can call QUICK-TURN (Sun's telemarketing agency) at 800-553-4265. You must call before 10/31/89 to get the discounted price and quick shipment. * Order 1/4" tape or diskette + updated Owner Set for $100 * Preferred payment is by VISA/MC. Authorized PO is OK. Customers should reserve about an hour for the first system upgrade, and about 30 minutes for each subsequent system. 4.0.2 systems may be freely intermixed with 4.0.1 systems on a network. Upgrade times vary based upon configuration. Factory SunOS disk pre-loading is changing for new systems -- see details below. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- UPGRADE PROGRAM DETAILS * Handled by a contract agency (TeleSectrum Inc.) until 10/31/89 * After 10/31, will be available via CSD (800-USA-4SUN) for standard pricing * Extra Owner's Sets are available for $50 CHANGES TO SunOS PRE-LOADING ON NEW SYSTEMS FROM FACTORY AFTER 9/7/89 * Previously, only Application SunOS was factory pre-loaded on disk * Newly built systems shipped after 9/7/89 will have all SunOS (except hardware disgnostics) pre-loaded * Some Work-In-Progress factory inventory will have the 4.0.2 upgrade kit included with the CPU - free of charge * All customers need at least one set of 4.0.1 media plus the 4.0.2 upgrade media PER SITE. A complete media set is needed to provide diagnostics and backup, regardless of how the OS is loaded at the factory. DETAILED CHANGES AND IMPROVEMENTS: The following is a detailed summary of bug fixes and improvements. See the Sun386i SunOS 4.0.2 Installation Notes and the file /usr/README.4.0.2 (for bugtraq #s) after loading the upgrade for more information. DOS Windows: - Major improvements in keyboard and mouse responsiveness - Significant improvements in interrupt latency performance - Numerous DOS serial communications problems resolved - New support for running a DOS session from a serial terminal - Correction of problems in dynamically attaching and detaching DRIVE B - SunVGA supporting software and drivers are fully integrated with 4.0.2 - PC LAN support for Novell (requires purchasing related network boards and software) Networking: - Support for the administration of established mixed networks, including: multiple YP domains and those with a master servers that are not Sun386i - System installation messages to the user are clearer New Hardware: - SunVGA supporting software and drivers integrated with the rest of 4.0.2 - Built-in software support for the GXi board, a new frame buffer that accelerates the performance of most applications that run in the SunView (Desktop) environment SNAP: - Improved messages to guide user through problems - Scrolling menu for easy viewing when presenting many options - Better selection of home directory servers for Users and Groups - Recognition of diskless systems and subnets among /etc/hosts entries; These /etc/host entries are not offered in the Users and Groups categories in any home directory server menu - Support for specifying ranges or values for user or group IDs when adding users and groups with SNAP or with logintool - Support for changing of user's primary group - More robust support for removing systems - Serial port modes are reset for access by DOS after removing or disabling a terminal or modem - Improvements to SNAP backup: - handles large backups without corrupting backup catalog - accommodates $ and " in file names - recognizes write-protected diskettes and improperly formatted diskettes - backups performed by users in operator group are done as root SunOS Commands and Utilities: - Improvements to bar - accommodates $ and " in file names - recognizes write-protected and improperly formatted diskettes - two new function modifiers added: A (allows user to specify type of file to be backed up) K (tells bar to follow a symbolic link only if the link is specified) - unconfigure no longer removes /files/vol - checkconfig validates information in the systems and boot servers YP maps; this makes it easier to set up slave servers and maintain the Yellow Pages Organizer: - Support for use of Organizer by root - Support for Organizer in a non-YP environment Mail: - Support for Mail on a network running without Yellow Pages