Chapter 8. IBM BladeCenter HX5 439
Device drivers
Device drivers are software that controls the hardware server components on the operating
system level. They are specific to the operating system version, and therefore, critical device
drivers are included with the installation media.
IBM, operating system vendors, and component device vendors provide device driver
updates. Often, you can download them from each company’s support website. Whenever
possible, we recommend acquiring tested and approved driver updates from IBM.
Operating system updates, fixes, and patches
The performance and reliability of an HX5 tightly relate to the operating system running on the
HX5. IBM supports an assortment of modern and widely used operating systems that are
capable of utilizing the system’s potential. Each vendor supports its operating system by
releasing updates, fixes, and patches that provide enhanced functionality and fixes to known
problems. Many of these updates, fixes, and patches only apply to certain configurations,
while other updates, fixes, and patches apply to all configurations. The operating system
vendor’s support website has extensive information about these updates, fixes, and patches.
System update resources
Table 8-7 provides useful links to IBM tools and vendor operating system support websites.
Table 8-7 Internet links to support and downloads
Tip: IBM Bootable Media Creator (BoMC) is a tool that simplifies the IBM System x
firmware update process without an operating system running on the system. More
information about this tool is available at the following website:
http://ibm.com/support/entry/portal/docdisplay?lndocid=TOOL-BOMC
Tip: The Windows Server installation process using IBM ServerGuide will perform IBM
driver updates after the operating system installation has completed. You can obtain this
tool from the following website:
http://ibm.com/support/entry/portal/docdisplay?lndocid=SERV-GUIDE
Tip: IBM UpdateXpress is a tool that allows the IBM System x firmware and drivers to be
updated through the operating system. More information about this tool is available at the
following website:
http://ibm.com/support/entry/portal/docdisplay?lndocid=SERV-XPRESS
Vendor Product Address Available support
IBM Systems Support http://ibm.com/systems/support/ Documentation, firmware, driver
IBM ServerGuide http://ibm.com/support/entry/portal/docdisp
lay?lndocid=SERV-GUIDE
Installation tool
IBM UpdateXpress http://ibm.com/support/entry/portal/docdisp
lay?lndocid=SERV-XPRESS
Firmware and driver update tool
IBM Bootable Media
Creator
http://ibm.com/support/entry/portal/docdisp
lay?lndocid=TOOL-BOMC
Firmware update tool
Microsoft Windows Server http://support.microsoft.com/ph/14134 Documentation, driver, and OS
update
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