Keeping the system current

Drivers
The server includes new hardware that may not have driver support on all operating system installation
media.
If you are installing a SmartStart-supported operating system, use the SmartStart software (on page 46)
and its Assisted Path feature to install the operating system and latest driver support.

NOTE: If you are installing drivers from the SmartStart CD or the Software Maintenance CD,
refer to the SmartStart website (http://www.hp.com/servers/smartstart) to be sure that you are
using the latest version of SmartStart. For more information, refer to the documentation
provided with the SmartStart CD.

If you do not use the SmartStart CD to install an operating system, drivers for some of the new hardware
are required. These drivers, as well as other option drivers, ROM images, and value-add software can be
downloaded from the HP website (http://www.hp.com/support).

IMPORTANT: Always perform a backup before installing or updating device drivers.

ProLiant Support Packs

PSPs represent operating system-specific bundles of ProLiant optimized drivers, utilities, and management
agents. Refer to the PSP website
(http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/servers/management/psp.html).

Operating system version support

Refer to the operating system support matrix (http://www.hp.com/go/supportos).

HP Smart Update Manager

The HP Smart Update Manager enables system administrators to upgrade ROM images efficiently across
a wide range of servers and options. This tool has the following features:
• Works offline and online
• Supports Microsoft® Windows® and Linux operating systems
• Integrates with other software maintenance, deployment, and operating system tools
• Automatically checks for hardware, firmware, and operating system dependencies, and installs only
the correct ROM upgrades required by each target server
For more information, see the HP Smart Update Manager User Guide. The guide and the HP Smart
Update Manager utility are available from the ProLiant Firmware Maintenance CD. This CD and others
can be downloaded free of charge from the SmartStart download page on the HP website
(http://www.hp.com/go/support).

Software and configuration utilities 57