Lenovo 6431 Server User Manual


 
Chapter 2. Configuration information and instructions
The firmware for the server is periodically updated and is available for download
from the Web. This chapter provides information about updating the firmware and
using the configuration utilities.
Updating the firmware
The firmware for the server is periodically updated and is available for download on
the Web. To check for the latest level of firmware, such as BIOS code, vital product
data (VPD) code, device drivers, and service processor firmware, use the
ThinkServer EasyUpdate program or go to: http://www.lenovo.com/support.
Download the latest firmware for the server; then, install the firmware, using the
instructions that are included with the downloaded files.
When you replace a device in the server, you might have to either update the
server with the latest version of the firmware that is stored in memory on the device
or restore the pre-existing firmware from a diskette or CD image.
The following items are downloadable from the Web at: http://www.ibm.com/
systems/support/:
v BIOS code
v Diagnostics programs
v Mini-BMC firmware
v Ethernet firmware
v ServeRAID
firmware
v SAS/SATA firmware
Major components contain VPD code. You can select to update the VPD code when
you update the BIOS code.
Configuring the server
The following configuration programs are available to configure the server:
v Configuration/Setup Utility program
The Configuration/Setup Utility program is part of the basic input/output system
(BIOS) code. You can use this program to configure serial port assignments,
change interrupt request (IRQ) settings, change the device startup sequence, set
the date and time, and set passwords. For information about using this program,
see “Using the Configuration/Setup Utility program” on page 19.
v EasyManage software
ThinkServer EasyManage software helps you maintain high performance while
limiting downtime. Through a single console you can monitor and configure alerts
for security and performance, perform Hardware Failure Prediction, deploy
operating systems and software, and monitor software licenses. You can
download and install the EasyManage software from the Lenovo Support Web
site (http://www.lenovo.com/support). Optionally, you can order an EasyManage
installation disc from your Lenovo marketing representative or reseller.
v ThinkServer EasyStartup DVD
The Lenovo ThinkServer EasyStartup DVD that comes with the server provides
programs to help you set up the server and install an operating system. The
© Lenovo 2008. Portions © IBM Corp. 2008. 17