AlphaServer DS20 V7.2 Firmware Release Notes and Update Procedures

Summary

This document serves as the release notes and update guide for the V7.2 firmware for the AlphaServer DS20. It is intended for personnel responsible for operating system installations and managing firmware for the console and I/O options.

Key components of the document include:

• Firmware Updates: Provides step-by-step instructions for updating console and I/O firmware using the Loadable Firmware Utility (LFU) via both the SRM and AlphaBIOS consoles.
• Operating System Compatibility: Includes a revision matrix detailing the minimum required versions for OpenVMS, Tru64 UNIX, and Windows NT to remain compatible with V7.2 firmware.
• Environment Variables: Documents the use of environment variables like user_def1, user_def2, FFAUTO, and FFNEXT. Specifically, it explains how to use FFAUTO and FFNEXT to force devices currently in a "not connected" state into a "connected" state to allow booting.
• Known Anomalies and Fixes: Outlines various issues (such as KVM switch limitations and specific graphics card behaviors) and provides a historical change log for firmware versions dating back to V6.7, noting previous bug fixes and enhancements.

The document emphasizes that console firmware should be updated prior to installing or upgrading an operating system and highlights the importance of re-initializing the system after a shutdown before running the update utility.