Solaris 11 drastically alters the way in which installation is done. There are now three different methods to choose from (LiveCD, Text Install, or Automated Install), and all of them are considerably different from the old tried-and-tested methods. Not only do you have three different bases to choose from, but you also need to have a basic grasp of the new package tools to examine the results of what you have installed.

If you are looking to just try Solaris 11 out quickly, whether through an x86 VM, or a temporary boot-from-dvd-only experience, or just the quickest and simplest way to get something on disk, then the x86 LiveCD is the best path for you to follow.

If you want something a bit more controllable, with all the knobs to tweak, then follow the text-based install ISO.

If on the other hand, you are looking to set up many Solaris 11 boxes, you should eventually travel the Automated Installer (AI) path. However, it is strongly recommended that you use Solaris 11 for a while via...