366 IBM eX5 Implementation GuideUseful links: IBM Bootable Media Creator (BoMC) is a tool that simplifies the IBM System x firmwareupdate process without an OS running on the system. You can obtain more informationabout this tool at the following website:http://ibm.com/support/entry/portal/docdisplay?lndocid=TOOL-BOMC You can access the IBM System x3690 X5 firmware and drivers quickly at the followingwebsite:http://www.ibm.com/support/fixcentral/systemx/quickorder?parent=ibm~Systemx3690X5&product=ibm/systemx/7148&&platform=All&function=all&source=fc The following website contains a guide that describes firmware update best practices forUEFI-based IBM System x servers:http://ibm.com/support/entry/myportal/docdisplay?lndocid=MIGR-5082923Device driversDevice drivers are software that controls hardware server components on the OS level. Theyare specific to the OS version, so critical device drivers are included with the installationmedia.Device driver updates are provided by IBM, OS vendors, and component device vendors.They are primarily downloadable from each company’s support website.Whenever possible, we recommend acquiring tested and approved driver updates from IBM.You can get more information at these useful links: The Windows Server installation process using IBM ServerGuide performs IBM driverupdates after the OS installation is complete. You can access this tool at the followingwebsite:http://ibm.com/support/entry/portal/docdisplay?lndocid=SERV-GUIDE IBM UpdateXpress is a tool that simplifies the IBM System x firmware and driver updaterunning a supported OS. You can access more information about this tool at the followingwebsite:http://ibm.com/support/entry/portal/docdisplay?lndocid=SERV-XPRESS You can access the IBM System x3690 X5 firmware and drivers quickly at the followingwebsite:http://www.ibm.com/support/fixcentral/systemx/quickorder?parent=ibm~Systemx3690X5&product=ibm/systemx/7148&&platform=All&function=all&source=fcOperating system updates, fixes, and patchesThe performance and reliability of a scaled x3690 X5 are tightly related to the OS running onit. IBM supports an assortment of modern and widely used OSs that are capable of utilizingthe system’s potential. Each vendor supports its OS by releasing updates, fixes, and patchesthat provide enhanced functionality and fixes to known problems. Certain updates, fixes, andpatches are only applicable to certain configurations, but other updates, fixes, and patchesapply to all configurations. Each OS vendor’s support website has extensive informationabout these updates, fixes, and patches.System update resourcesTable 7-6 on page 367 lists important resources for system updates with the available supportin each website.
