Skip to main content

Configuring the server

The following configuration programs come with the server:

  • Setup utility

    The Setup utility is part of the UEFI firmware. Use it to perform configuration tasks such as changing interrupt request (IRQ) settings, changing the startup-device sequence, setting the date and time, and setting passwords. For information about using this program, see Using the Setup utility.

  • Boot Manager program

    The Boot Manager is part of the UEFI firmware. Use it to override the startup sequence that is set in the Setup utility and temporarily assign a device to be first in the startup sequence. For more information about using this program, see Using the Boot Manager.

  • ServerGuide Setup and Installation CD

    The ServerGuide program provides software-setup tools and installation tools that are designed for the server. Use this CD during the installation of the server to configure basic hardware features, such as an integrated SAS/SATA controller with RAID capabilities, and to simplify the installation of your operating system. For information about using this CD, see Using the ServerGuide Setup and Installation CD.

  • FastSetup

    FastSetup is a no-cost software tool that helps simplify the maintenance and deployment of selected BladeCenter chassis, servers, and components. The intuitive graphical interface initializes all phases of server setup, including discovery, update, and configuration. Features include templates that enable replication of settings to many servers and automation that reduces hands-on time and user errors. Wizards and other default settings enable customization capabilities. The low-touch, set-once and walk-away feature reduces the hands-on server setup time from days to minutes, particularly for larger deployments. For information about this tool, see the IBM FastSetup.

  • Integrated management module

    Use the integrated management module II (IMM2) for configuration, to update the firmware and sensor data record/field replaceable unit (SDR/FRU) data, and to remotely manage a network. For information about using the IMM, see Using the integrated management module and the Integrated Management Module II User's Guide at the Integrated Management Module II User’s Guide .

  • VMware ESXi embedded hypervisor

    An optional USB flash device with VMware ESXi embedded hypervisor software is available for purchase. Hypervisor is virtualization software that enables multiple operating systems to run on a host system at the same time. The USB embedded hypervisor flash device can be installed in USB connectors 3 and 4 on the system board. For more information about using the embedded hypervisor, see Using the embedded hypervisor.

  • Remote presence capability and blue-screen capture

    The remote presence and blue-screen capture features are integrated functions of the integrated management module (IMM2). The remote presence feature provides the following functions:
    • Remotely viewing video with graphics resolutions up to 1600 x 1200 at 75 Hz, regardless of the system state
    • Remotely accessing the server, using the keyboard and mouse from a remote client
    • Mapping the CD or DVD drive, diskette drive, and USB flash drive on a remote client, and mapping ISO and diskette image files as virtual drives that are available for use by the server
    • Uploading a diskette image to the IMM memory and mapping it to the server as a virtual drive
    The blue-screen capture feature captures the video display contents before the IMM restarts the server when the IMM detects an operating-system hang condition. A system administrator can use the blue-screen capture feature to assist in determining the cause of the hang condition. For more information, see Using the remote presence and blue-screen capture features.

  • Ethernet controller configuration

    For information about configuring the Ethernet controller, see Configuring the Ethernet controller.

  • Features on Demand software Ethernet software

    The server provides Features on Demand software Ethernet support. You can purchase a Features on Demand software upgrade key for Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) and iSCSI storage protocols. For more information, see Enabling Features on Demand Ethernet software.

  • Features on Demand software RAID software

    The server provides Features on Demand software RAID support. You can purchase a Features on Demand software upgrade key for RAID. For more information, see Enabling Features on Demand RAID software.

  • Advanced Settings Utility (ASU) program

    Use this program as an alternative to the Setup utility for modifying UEFI settings and IMM settings. Use the ASU program online or out of band to modify UEFI settings from the command line without the need to restart the server to run the Setup utility. For more information about using this program, see Advanced Settings Utility program.

  • Configuring RAID arrays

    For information about configuring RAID arrays, see Configuring RAID arrays.

    The following table lists the different server configurations and the applications that are available for configuring and managing RAID arrays.
    Table 1. Server configuration and applications for configuring and managing RAID arrays
    Server configurationRAID array configuration (before operating system is installed)RAID array management (after operating system is installed)
    ServeRAID-M5110 adapterMegaRAID BIOS Configuration Utility (press Ctrl+H to start), pre-boot CLI (press Ctrl+P to start), ServerGuide, HIIMegaRAID Storage Manager (MSM), MegaCLI, and Systems Director
    ServeRAID-M5120 adapterMegaRAID BIOS Configuration Utility (press Ctrl+H to start), pre-boot CLI (press Ctrl+P to start), ServerGuide, HIIMegaRAID Storage Manager (MSM), MegaCLI, and Systems Director
    Notes
    1. For more information about the Human Interface Infrastructure (HII) and SAS2IRCU, go to the SAS2 BIOS Configuration Utility Users Guide.
    2. For more information about the MegaRAID, go to the "IBM MegaRAID support matrix".