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.

Version control

The VCRM and VCA are Web-enabled Insight Management Agents tools that HP SIM uses to facilitate software update tasks.

VCRM manages the repository for Windows and Linux PSPs. Administrators can browse a graphical view of the PSPs or configure VCRM to automatically update the repository with internet downloads of the latest software from HP.

VCA compares software versions and updates. Administrators can configure VCA to point to a repository managed by VCRM.

For more information about version control tools, refer to the HP Systems Insight Manager Help Guide and the Version Control User Guide on the HP Systems Insight Manager website (http://www.hp.com/go/hpsim).

Resource Paqs

Resource Paqs are operating system-specific packages of tools, utilities, and information for HP servers running certain Microsoft® or Novell operating systems. The Resource Paqs include utilities to monitor performance, software drivers, customer support information, and white papers on the latest server integration information. Refer to the Enterprise Partnerships website (http://h18000.www1.hp.com/partners), select Microsoft or Novell, depending on the operating system, and follow the link to the appropriate Resource Paq.

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).

SoftPaqs

SoftPaqs are software utilities (such as diagnostics and configuration utilities), software upgrades, ROMPaqs (firmware upgrades), and fixes that resolve software problems or provide workarounds. Refer to the Software and Drivers Download website (http://h18007.www1.hp.com/support/files/server).

Change control and proactive notification

HP offers Change Control and Proactive Notification to notify customers 30 to 60 days in advance of upcoming hardware and software changes on HP commercial products.

For more information, refer to the HP website

(http://h18023.www1.hp.com/solutions/pcsolutions/pcn.html).

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HP ProLight Server manual Version control

ProLight Server specifications

The HP ProLiant server series is designed to deliver exceptional performance, scalability, and reliability for a variety of workloads, making it a popular choice among businesses of all sizes. Known for its robust architecture, the ProLiant series integrates cutting-edge technologies to support critical applications, virtualization, and cloud computing.

One of the defining features of HP ProLiant servers is their advanced management capabilities, facilitated by HP Integrated Lights-Out (iLO) technology. This embedded management tool offers remote access and monitoring capabilities, enabling IT administrators to oversee servers even when they are powered down. iLO provides essential features like firmware lifecycle management, power consumption monitoring, and system health checks, all of which simplify management and enhance uptime.

HP ProLiant servers leverage Intel's latest Xeon processors, which deliver impressive processing power and energy efficiency. The architecture supports multi-core processing, allowing for greater parallelism and improved operational efficiency. Furthermore, the series supports various memory configurations, with options for scalable and high-speed memory that can significantly enhance performance in memory-intensive applications.

Storage is another strength of the HP ProLiant series. The servers provide a range of storage options, including HDDs and SSDs, which enable organizations to configure systems to meet their performance and capacity requirements. HP’s Smart Array technology allows for advanced RAID capabilities, providing added data protection and redundancy, ensuring that critical information remains secure even during hardware failures.

HP ProLiant servers also focus on security, featuring built-in security technologies to protect against potential threats. Technologies such as silicon root of trust, secure boot, and firmware validation help safeguard server integrity from the ground up.

Scalability is essential for growing businesses, and the ProLiant series is designed to accommodate increasing workloads efficiently. Its modular architecture allows for seamless upgrades, ensuring that organizations can expand their infrastructure as needed without extensive downtime or resource expenditure.

In conclusion, the HP ProLiant server series blends performance, management, security, and scalability, making it a reliable choice for enterprise IT environments. With its robust features, advanced technologies, and focus on security and manageability, HP ProLiant servers provide businesses with the capability to meet their evolving IT demands effectively.