Desktop RAC - Virtually installed and configured.

I have successfully implemented a Desktop RAC scenario which is provided by Oracle at http://www.oracle.com/technology/tech/linux/vmware/index.html.

Initially I have downloaded all the four zip files required to test the Desktop RAC for Red Hot Linux, there are two zip files for Novell SUSE as well.

Note: you are required to register with VMware and Red Hot Linux in order to get the trail version of that software and a unique number.

Following are the two issues I have come across while implementing Desktop RAC.

1. One of the zip file download contains VMware workstation 5.3 download from the VMware site. Unfortunately you see a message at VMware site that VMware workstation 5.3 is no more available for download and it suggest you to download VMware workstation 5.5 version.
This is required because you need to get the unique key to validate the VMware installation.

I have first installed VMware workstation 5.5 and skipped the VMware installation part while running Oracle installation.

2. First two zips contain Oracle RAC software for Linux and each zip contains Disk1 folders respectively. The problem was that while unzipping zip files which has same folder names respectively, needed to rename and this cause problem while setup as the step looking for all the required files under the Disk1 folder. What I did was to cross compare the folder in the Disk1 folders respectively and copy the missing in to one Disk1 folder.

After couple of unsuccessful attempts, finally I have done with Desktop RAC. I can see that Red Hot Linux 4.0 OS installed, Oracle RAC (10gR2) with ASM configured.
Also, it gives you bunch of examples step-by-step in documentation to test the scenarios.
The implementation gives you two instances and a database named as RACDB with ASM configured.

This is good for the beginners to have RAC installed on a PC which doesn’t require state-of-the-art hardware.

I guess, this is not good for an experienced DBA. You can’t install CRS, create RAC database and configuration and etc.

For me, it’s a good chance to start and make myself familiar with RAC commands and do some testing before I go for any training or work with production.

If I come across any good issues, I will update on my blog.

Happy reading,

New PC!!

Last night I brought a new PC with the latest configuration (I guess). PC contains 2 GB RAM, 250GB hard disk (7600 rpm), dual processor, DVD r/w and Intel original mother board.

Buying PC with the good configuration was a long pending task which fulfilled last night. This is the first step towards my OCM preparation where I would like test all the scenarios mentioned in the OCM Exam topics.

http://education.oracle.com/pls/web_prod-plq-dad/db_pages.getpage?page_id=41&p_exam_id=10gOCM

Second step would be attending the Oracle RAC course to satisfy the prerequisites of having attended two advanced courses conducted by OU. Although, I don’t like the idea two advanced courses attendance to meet the prerequisite, I have to attend against my will if I want to go for OCM.

Final step would be attending for OCM exam.

To meet the second and final step, I need quite a good time as I am paying it from pocket and I would be happier if my employer comes forwards and ready to sponsor for this, which won’t look possible because of the amount.

Hopefully, by end of this year, I will be in a position to invest money on this ** PROJECT** and appear for OCM.


Happy reading,

Jaffar

Finally Switched to New Blog!

Finally, I was able to upgrade my blog to new blog format.
I was trying to upgrade my blog since the blogger beta was out and everybody can move their old blog to the new blog format.
Although, I could see the 'switchnow' buton on the blogger's main page, couldn't succeeded for couple of weeks just because whenever tried to switch, I was constantly getting, 'sorry message'. At last, after many unsuccessful attempts, today, I have seen 'Your blog is ready to switch' message on the Bloggers start page and immediaely I have switched the old blog to new blog.
It only took 5 minuts to switch.
Well, its time to play around with the new blog features.

Take care,

Jaffar

Want to learn RAC????

I have come across of many request on serveral Oracle database forums and here and there asking about to have RAC env. on a PC for testing and learning purpose.
After some browsing, I have got two possibilities for the people who wants the same.

Basic Requirements:
Have a PC with good configuration, at least 1GB of RAM and good amount of DISK space.

Possibility 1:
Mr. Howard J Roger at his web size DIZWELL INFORMATICS has written an excellent articel on 'Building a 10gR2 Laptop RAC on Windows'' in which he greately explained about installation and maintenance of RAC on a PC. Following link will take you the article.

http://www.dizwell.com/prod/node/25

Possibility 2:

If you feel installing Oracle RAC, VMWARE and other stuff would be little bit hectice, at least, for the biginner, then, don't worry, Oracle has a ready made solution for you.

Desktop Data Centers: Oracle-on-Linux VMware Tool Kits

Oracle, VMware, Red Hat and Novell have teamed up to provide everything you need to run a full Oracle Database 10g on Linux environment on your Windows desktop—including the operational infrastructure and step-by-step instructions on how to use Oracle Database 10g and Oracle Real Application Clusters.

Note: These kits are for evaluation and development purposes only. Oracle will not support any deployments of these packages.

Currently the test cases are available on RED HAT and NOVELL only.

http://www.oracle.com/technology/tech/linux/vmware/index.html

Good books (in my view) are:

Pro Oracle Database 10g RAC on Linux Hardcover by Julian Dyke
Oracle 10g RAC Grid, Services... Paperback by Murali Vallath
Oracle Database 10g Real Application... Paperback by K Gopalakrishnan

Blog which discuss about RAC stuff:

Mr. Kevin Closson maintain's a good blog discussing about RAC stuff. Wroth to add to favourites or book mark his blog.

http://kevinclosson.wordpress.com/

Few good articles on RAC.

Mr. Julian Dyke wrote couple of good articles on RAC. It can be downloaded from his site.

http://www.juliandyke.com/

HAVE FUN WITH RAC!!!!!

Happy EID, Merry Christmas and A very happy NEW YEAR!

Happy EID, Merry Christmas and A Ver happy and prosperous new year to everyone.

On EID, 9 days off for me. Ummm...

My kids have taken strong promise from me to take them out every day.
My brother also going to join us from Madina during the holidays and I expect a lot of fun and good time.

Once again, happy EID, merry christmas and a very happy NEW YEAR to all.

May new year brings more and much needed happiness to everyone.

Jaffar