14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has issued four new software updates recently, including one for users of an Xserve, the company’s 1U rackmount line of server computers. The Xserve can be used for a variety of applications, including file server, web server or even high-performance computing applications using clustering.
According to Apple’s description of the update, Xserve EFI Firmware Update 1.2 addresses a few issues for Xserve (Early 2009) computers. First of all, it improves compatibility with virtualization products utilizing VT-d. A second improvement concerns system reliability during the boot process. The Mac maker advises those who will be doing headless updating to visit the Support section of its website and read through a newly posted tech note.
“Learn more about how to apply an EFI firmware update to a ‘headless’ Xserve (Early 2009),” Apple says. The company then proceeds to enumerate the steps for applying the firmware update:
1- Download and install the firmware update application using Server Admin, the softwareupdate command, or Software Update via Screen Sharing or Apple Remote Desktop. 2- Log into the Xserve as an administrator via ssh. 3- Run these commands: cd /Applications/Utilities/Xserve\ EFI\ Firmware\ Update.app/ sudo ./Contents/Resources/RemoteEFIUpdater.
4- Follow the instructions provided by the updater. 5- If your firmware needs to be updated, you will need to press 'y' to confirm, then shut down the Xserve. To shut down you may use Server Monitor, Apple Remote Desktop, Screen Sharing, ipmitool, or the 'shutdown -h now' command via the ssh session. Note: Choose Shut Down, not Restart. 6- After shutting down, your Xserve will automatically power up and flash the firmware. Flashing will take a few minutes. DO NOT INTERRUPT the Xserve while flashing! 7- After the Xserve restarts, repeat steps 2 and 3 to confirm that your firmware is up to date.
The company offers additional information about firmware updates for Intel-based Macs, and Xserves via a separate document on its Support area. Readers can download the latest Xserve EFI Firmware Update using the link below.