Quick Start Guide

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This guide helps you install Ubuntu on a Linux on Power Systems LC server.

Overview

Use this information to install Ubuntu on a non-virtualized or bare metal IBM Power System LC server. This procedure follows these general steps:

  • Download the Ubuntu ISO file
  • Create a bootable USB device
  • Connect to the BMC firmware to set up network connection
  • Connect to the BMC firmware with IPMI
  • Install Ubuntu from USB device

Download your ISO files from the Ubuntu release website. Look for the PowerPC64 Little-Endian server install image. Supported Ubuntu releases include:

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

Completing the prerequisites and booting your firmware

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

  • 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.
  • Bootable USB device

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.

Configuring Petitboot

After the system powers on, the Petitboot bootloader scans local boot devices and network interfaces to find boot options that are available to the system.
  1. Insert your bootable USB device into the front USB port. Petitboot displays the following option:
    Note: Select Rescan devices if the USB device does not appear. If your device is not detected, you may have to try a different type.
  2. On the Petitboot main screen, select the Debian GNU/Linux installer boot option and then press Enter.

More information

For more information, see the following resources:

Notices

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