Updating System Programs; Managing Your Computer - IBM IntelliStation A Pro Type 6217 User Manual

Updating system programs

System programs are the basic layer of software that is built into your computer.
They include the power-on self-test (POST), the basic input/output system (BIOS),
and the Configuration/Setup Utility program.
System programs are stored in electrically erasable programmable read-only
memory (EEPROM) on the system board. This is sometimes referred to as flash
memory.
IBM occasionally makes changes and enhancements to the system programs.
When updates are released, they are available as downloadable files on the World
Wide Web (see Appendix A, "Getting help and technical assistance," on page 73).
You can update system programs by starting your computer using a flash update
diskette, or if the computer is connected to a network, a network administrator can
update the system programs remotely. Instructions for using system program
updates are included in a readme file that comes with the downloadable files.

Managing your computer

Your computer comes with features that a network administrator or server can use
to remotely manage and control the computer. This section describes some of these
network-management tools. See the product documentation for these tools to find
out whether your operating system supports this software. To get more detailed
information about these tools or to download any of this software, complete the
following steps:
1. Go to http://www.ibm.com/pc/support/.
2. Under Download, click Downloads & Drivers.
3. From the Brand drop-down list, click Systems Management; then, click
4. Scroll down and click a product to get more details about the product or to
Your computer supports the following system management tools:
v IBM Director Agent
v Wake on LAN
v Remote Deployment Manager
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IntelliStation A Pro Type 6217: User's Guide
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download the product.
IBM Director Agent streamlines and automates personal computer (PC) systems
management and support tasks, such as asset deployment and tracking. These
utilities are available for IBM computers at no additional charge, helping to
reduce total cost of ownership of networked computers. IBM Director Agent is
available at http://www.ibm.com/pc/support/.
You can use IBM Director Agent to view detailed information about your computer
hardware and software, set up alerts, monitor a variety of system resources, and
manage your asset security.
A network administrator can use the Wake on LAN feature to turn on your
computer from a remote location. When the Wake on LAN feature is used with
network-management software, many functions, such as data transfers, software
updates, and POST or BIOS code updates can be performed on many
computers simultaneously.
Note: The Wake on LAN feature functions through the adapter in PCI-X slot 1
and only if the computer was properly shut down and turned off.