Quick Start Guide

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This guide helps you install Red Hat Enterprise Linux on a Linux on Power Systems server.

Overview

Use this information to install Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7.x or 8.x on a non-virtualized or bare metal IBM Power System LC server. This procedure follows these general steps:

  • Connect to the BMC firmware to set up network connection
  • Connect to the BMC firmware with IPMI
  • Access the BMC Advanced System Management interface
  • Create virtual media from the ISO file
  • Use the virtual media to install Red Hat Enterprise Linux

Download your ISO file from the Red Hat Enterprise Linux website.

Completing the prerequisites and booting your firmware

Before you power on the system, ensure that you have the following items:

  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux ISO file
  • Ethernet cable
  • VGA monitor. The VGA resolution must be set to 1024x768-60Hz.
  • USB Keyboard
  • Power cords and outlet for your system.
  • PC or notebook that has IPMItool level 1.8.15 or greater. Find instructions to determine your level of IPMItool and how to update at the end of the guide.

For a list of supported distributions, see Supported Linux distributions and virtualization options for POWER8 and POWER9 Linux on Power systems.

Complete these steps:

  • If your system belongs in a rack, install your system into that rack. For instructions, see IBM® Power Systems™ information at https://www.ibm.com/support/knowledgecenter/.
  • Connect an Ethernet cable to the embedded Ethernet port next to the serial port on the back of your system. Connect the other end to your network.
  • Connect your VGA monitor to the VGA port on back of system.
  • Connect your USB keyboard to an available USB port
  • Connect the power cords to the system and plug them into the outlets.

At this point, your firmware is booting. Wait for the green LED on the power button to start flashing, indicating that it is ready to use. If your system does not have a green LED indicator light, then wait 1 to 2 minutes.

More information

For more information, see the following resources:

Notices

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