IBM xSeries 235 manual ServerGuide features, Setup and configuration overview

vServeRAID Manager program, which configures your ServeRAID adapter or integrated SCSI controller with RAID capabilities

vA system BIOS code update program, which updates the BIOS code directly from the CD

vDevice drivers that are provided for your server model and detected hardware

vOperating-system partition size and file-system type that are selectable during setup

ServerGuide features

Features and functions can vary slightly with different versions of the ServerGuide program. To learn more about the version that you have, start the ServerGuide Setup and Installation CD and view the online overview. Not all features are supported on all server models.

The ServerGuide program requires a supported IBM server with an enabled startable (bootable) CD-ROM drive. In addition to the ServerGuide Setup and Installation CD, you must have your operating-system CD to install your operating system.

The ServerGuide program has the following features:

vSets system date and time.

vDetects the SCSI RAID adapter, controller, or integrated SCSI controller with RAID capabilities and runs the SCSI RAID configuration program.

vUpdates the licensed internal code (firmware) level without diskettes.

vChecks the system BIOS code and microcode (firmware) levels of supported options to determine whether a later level is available from the CD. You can perform updates without using diskettes.

vCreates a System Partition on the default drive. You can run server-specific utility programs after setup.

vDetects installed hardware options and provides updated device drivers for most adapters and devices.

vCreates a setup-replication diskette for replicating setup selections for other servers of the same model.

vProvides diskette-free installation for supported operating systems.

vProvides a replicated installation path for multiple installations of supported operating systems.

vIncludes an online README file with links to tips for your hardware and operating-system installation.

Setup and configuration overview

When you use the ServerGuide Setup and Installation CD, you do not need setup diskettes. You can use the CD to configure any supported IBM server model. The ServerGuide program checks your system BIOS, service processors, and other system hardware to determine if system updates are available. The setup program provides a list of tasks that are required to set up your server model. On a server with a ServeRAID adapter or integrated SCSI controller with RAID capabilities, you can run the SCSI RAID configuration program to create logical drives.

Note: Features and functions can vary slightly with different versions of the

ServerGuide program.

When you start the ServerGuide Setup and Installation CD, the program performs the following tasks:

Chapter 2. Configuring your server 23