Choosing an Installation Environment

The installation environment consists of the server model, the Linux OS distribution and version, a VGA or serial console, and the software you need to perform the installation. The software required for installation includes the HP Smart Setup software package and the Linux installer media.

A list of the supported HP Integrity servers is provided in the “Support Information” section; a list of the supported adapters is provided in Appendix D.

Using a Serial Console

A serial console is a PC running terminal emulation software, such as a Secure SHell (SSH) client like PuTTY (available from the Web or on your Linux system). Using the minicom or cu command, connect to the server through the Management Processor (MP) serial port or LAN port.

Figure 1-1 shows serial consoles connected to an HP Integrity rx4640 server.

Figure 1-1 Serial Console Configuration

When using a headless console to install Linux, you can view detailed installation information for each file by monitoring the setup log channels.

Using a VGA Console

A VGA console is a VGA monitor, a USB HP keyboard, and a USB mouse connected to the server. (You can use a USB-to-PS2 converter to connect to a console switch.)

Figure 1-2 shows a VGA console connected to an HP Integrity rx4640 server.

Figure 1-2 VGA Console Configuration

A VGA console provides complete access to all the installation and administration tasks that can be performed on the server. You can use the VGA console to prepare the server for installation, install the OS, and check server status after installation.

Using the HP Smart Setup EBSU Utility

You can use HP Smart Setup both before and after the OS is installed.

HP recommends that you obtain the latest version of the HP Integrity Essentials Foundation Pack for Linux. For more information about downloading HP Smart Setup, see “Obtaining the Latest HP Integrity Essentials Foundation Pack for Linux”.

Before Installing the OS
Use any bootable, removable media containing HP Smart Setup to boot the server. With the media in the CD/DVD drive or USB HDD, the server boots to the HP Smart Setup EBSU utility, which provides an interface for offline setup and assists with configuration tasks, such as creating hard disk partitions and upgrading the firmware. Additionally, the HP Smart Setup EBSU utility provides a wizard called Smart Setup. The Smart Setup wizard guides you through preparing the system for and installing the OS. The HP Smart Setup EBSU utility works in conjunction with the Linux Installer media, which contains the OS image. It is strongly recommended that you use the HP Smart Setup to install the OS.
After Installing the OS
Use the HP Smart Setup EBSU utility to install the EFI driver and utilities and to upgrade firmware, which ensures the stability and performance of the system.

Choosing an Installation Environment

Technical documentation

» Table of Contents

Using a Serial Console

Using a VGA Console

Using the HP Smart Setup EBSU Utility