Alpha Systems Firmware Update V7.3 Release Notes Overview

Summary

This document serves as the release notes overview for the Alpha Systems Firmware Update Version 7.3 (April 2007). It provides essential information regarding firmware maintenance for various AlphaServer and AlphaStation systems.

Key highlights include:

• Firmware Recommendations: HP recommends upgrading to the latest firmware revision to ensure optimal PAL code, boot device support, and bug fixes. The CD includes both the latest and a previous version for rollback purposes if necessary.
• Operational Procedures: The manual outlines how to boot the firmware update program from a CD, perform updates using the update * command, and access firmware for older Alpha systems via the provided FTP link.
• Compatibility: It includes a comprehensive matrix matching specific Operating System (Tru64 UNIX and OpenVMS) versions with their minimum required firmware CD versions.
• System Revisions: Detailed tables list the latest console firmware and I/O device firmware revisions available on the CD for various supported hardware platforms (e.g., DS10, DS20, ES40, GS series).
• Documentation Access: Provides instructions for locating, viewing, and printing system-specific release notes and documentation files from the CD-ROM using OpenVMS, Tru64 UNIX, and Windows environments.