Installing Red Hat Enterprise Linux Version 3 Update 4 (or later) - IBM BladeCenter LS20 (8850)

Steps

Installation Instructions for Red Hat Enterprise Linux Version 3 Update 4 (or later) for AMD Opteron LS20 (Type 8850) for IBM eServer BladeCenter

1.0 What you will need

2.0 Where to download device drivers and files

3.0 Quick installation instructions for experienced users

4.0 Detailed installation instructions

• 4.1 Setting up the hardware

• 4.2 Setting up the blade server

  • 4.2.1 Updating the BIOS code

  • 4.2.2 Updating the diagnostic code

  • 4.2.3 Updating the service processor firmware

• 4.3 Configuring hard disk drives using the LSI SCSI controller

• 4.4 Installing Red Hat Enterprise Linux Version 3 Update 4 (or later)

5.0 Mouse support for the BladeCenter unit

• 5.1 Providing resolution information to the mouse handler

• 5.2 Changing the pointer speed settings

• 5.3 Synchronizing the remote and local mouse for remote control sessions

• 5.4 Correcting mouse cursor click related issues

6.0 Notices

Revision Level: 1.30

Updated: 12 May 2005

(C) Copyright International Business Machines Corporation 2005. All rights reserved. US Government Users Restricted Rights - Use, duplication, or disclosure restricted by GSA ADP Schedule Contract with IBM Corp.

Note: Before using this information and the product it supports, read the general information in 6.0 Notices in this document.

Supported Server: AMD Opteron LS20 (Type 8850) for IBM eServer BladeCenter

Follow the network operating system (NOS) installation instructions provided in this document in sequential order unless these instructions advise you otherwise. Windows and messages might differ from those in this document. Throughout this document, the term select is used to denote the use of arrow keys, the Tab key, or Alt + a letter combination to make a selection from a menu. The term click is used to denote the use of a mouse to make a selection.

• A registered copy of Red Hat Enterprise Linux Version 3 Update 4 (or later).

• Supported hard disk drives. Go to the ServerProven list of supported options and part numbers for the blade server.

• One blank diskette to create a BIOS code flash diskette. You might need additional blank diskettes for firmware updates.
  
  

You can download device drivers and files from the following sites:

• IBM United States Support Web site

• IBM device driver download site

• Countries outside the United States

You can download product specifications from the following sites:

• IBM xSeries product specifications

  
  

To install Red Hat Enterprise Linux Version 3 Update 4 (or later), complete the following steps:

1. If you are using the AMD64/EM64T version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux Version 3, at the installer prompt, type linux acpi=noirq and press Enter.

   Otherwise, press Enter.

2. Follow the instructions that guide you through the installation.

3. In the Package Defaults window, select Customize the Set of Packages to be Installed, and then select Next.

4. In the Package Group Selection window, scroll down to the Development section, select Kernel Development, and then select Next.

5. If the video resolution is incorrect, edit the /etc/X11/XF86Config file and type the following line in the Monitor section: Option "noddc"

6. To obtain the best security and performance from the blade server, apply all current software upgrades and security patches. Refer to the Red Hat Network Manual in the Documentation section of the Red Hat support Web pages for information about how to do this. The recommended way is to type up2date, as root, at the command line.

7. If the kernel was updated in the previous step, complete the following steps to configure the new kernel as the default:

   1. In the /etc/grub.conf file, set default=0.

   2. Restart the blade server.
      
      

To install Red Hat Enterprise Linux Version 3 Update 4 (or later), complete the steps in the following sections.

Note: Network adapters can be installed and configured during or after the installation. For integrated drive electronics (IDE) interface models, make sure that the hard disk drive is the primary master device.

To prepare the hardware, complete the following steps:

1. Remove the blade server from the BladeCenter unit, and remove the blade server cover.

2. If problems occur when you attempt to install multiple adapters or devices, for the initial installation, remove all adapters and devices that are not required for the base operating system to be installed. Disconnect any tape drives or external SCSI devices temporarily. After the operating system is starting without errors, reinstall the removed adapters and devices one at a time. This procedure simplifies the installation process.

3. If you plan to use an external storage enclosure, set up the enclosure using the instructions that come with the enclosure.

4. If you are using internal hard disk drives, install them into the blade server drive bays.

5. Install the blade server cover.

6. Slide the blade server into the bay and continue to 4.2 Setting up the blade server.
   
   

To set up the blade server, complete the following steps:

1. Turn on the blade server.

2. When the IBM logo is displayed, press F1 to start the Configuration/Setup Utility program.

3. Make sure that the BIOS code is at the latest revision level that is available from the IBM Web site or FTP site. Choose one of the following options:

   • If you need to update the BIOS code, continue to 4.2.1 Updating the BIOS code.

   • If you do not need to update the BIOS, select Load Default Settings, and then select Save and exit.

4. Continue to 4.3 Configuring hard disk drives using the LSI SCSI controller.
   
   

To update the BIOS code, complete the following steps:

1. Download the applicable image from the IBM Support Web site or FTP site. The image is a self-extracting, executable file that creates the flash diskettes.

2. To create the diskettes, run the executable file and follow the instructions on the screen.

3. Label the diskettes, using the part number of the image.

4. To update the BIOS code, complete the steps in the corresponding readme file.

5. After you have updated the BIOS, restart the blade server. When the IBM logo is displayed, press F1 to start the Configuration/Setup Utility program.

6. Select Load Default Settings, and then select Save and exit.

7. Continue to 4.2.2 Updating the diagnostic code.
   
   

To update the diagnostic code, complete the following steps:

1. Download the applicable image from the IBM Support Web site or FTP site. The image is a self-extracting, executable file that creates the flash diskettes.

2. To create the diskettes, run the executable file and follow the instructions on the screen.

3. Label the diskettes, using the part number of the image.

4. To update the diagnostics code, complete the steps in the corresponding readme file.

5. Continue to 4.2.3 Updating the service processor firmware.
   
   

To update the service processor firmware, complete the following steps:

1. Download the applicable image from the IBM Support Web site or FTP site. The image is a self-extracting, executable file that creates the flash diskettes.

2. To create the diskettes, run the executable file and follow the instructions on the screen.

3. Label the diskettes, using the part number of the image.

4. To update the service processor firmware, complete the steps in the corresponding readme file.

5. Continue to 4.3 Configuring hard disk drives using the LSI SCSI controller.
   
   

To configure the hard disk drives using the LSI SCSI controller, complete the following steps:

1. Turn on the blade server and press Ctrl+C when prompted.

2. Select the SCSI controller, and then select Device Properties.

3. Make sure that the boot SCSI ID matches the drive identification (ID) that you plan to use for the boot partition.

4. Complete the following steps to format each hard disk individually. Formatting might take up to 30 minutes, depending on the drive size.

   1. Scroll down to the row for the hard disk drive.

   2. Tab over to the Format column.

   3. Press Enter twice.

   4. When the formatting is completed, press any key to continue.

   5. Press Esc three times, and then select Exit the Configuration Utility.

5. Go to 4.4 Installing Red Hat Enterprise Linux Version 3 Update 4 (or later).
   
   

To install Red Hat Enterprise Linux Version 3 Update 4 (or later), complete the following steps:

1. If you are using the AMD64/EM64T version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux Version 3, at the installer prompt, type linux acpi=noirq and press Enter.

   Otherwise, press Enter.

2. If the CD Found screen is displayed, select OK to test CD media.

3. In the Welcome window, select Next.

4. In the Language Selection window, select US English, and then select Next.

5. In the Keyboard window, select US English, and then select Next.

6. In the Mouse Configuration window, select Generic - 3 Button Mouse (USB) or Generic - 2 Button Mouse (USB) and then select Next.

7. In the Disk Partitioning Setup window, select Manually partition with Disk Druid and then select Next.

   Note: If a message that the partition table is corrupt or unreadable is displayed, select Initialize.

8. In the Partitioning window, create at least the following partitions:

   • A /boot partition with mount point /boot, of file system type ext3 and 100 MB in size.

   • A root partition with mount point /, of file system type ext3 and 900 MB to 5.0 GB in size.

   • A swap partition of file type swap and at least 32 MB or twice the size of system memory, but less than 2 GB. Leave the mount point information blank.

   • A /var partition with mount point /var, of file system type ext3 and at least 3.0 GB in size.

   Then select Next.

9. In the Boot Loader Configuration window, select Next.

10. If the Network Configuration window opens, configure any network adapters and then select Next.

11. In the Firewall Configuration window, configure the security settings and then select Next.

12. In the Additional Language Support window, make sure that the default language for the operating system is correct, select any additional languages that are to be installed and then select Next.

13. In the Time Zone Selection window, select your time zone and then select Next.

14. In the Set Root Password window, type and confirm the root password, and then select Next.

15. In the Package Defaults window, select Customize the Set of Packages to be Installed and then select Next.

16. In the Package Group Selection window, scroll down to the Development section, select Kernel Development, and then select Next.

17. In the About to Install window, select Next.

18. During package installation, you might be prompted to insert additional CDs to complete the package installation.

19. In the Graphical Interface (X) Configuration window, make sure that the probed video adapter and the amount of video adapter RAM are correct, and then select Next.

20. In the Monitor Configuration window, select the applicable monitor and then select Next.

21. If the Customize Graphical Configuration window opens, select the applicable options and then select Next.

22. In the Congratulations window, select Exit.

23. When the blade server restarts, if a virus warning message is displayed, select Change is expected.

24. When the login screen is displayed, log in as root.

25. If you have configured networking on the server, firstboot will start. Complete the following steps:

    1. In the Welcome screen, select Next.

    2. In the License Agreement screen, select Yes to agree to the license agreement and then select Next.

    3. In the Date and Time screen, make the applicable changes and then select Next.

    4. In the User Account screen, add users and then select Next.

    5. If you are installing the operating system on a blade server with an audio adapter, in the Sound Card screen, select Test to check the audio adapter and then select Next.

    6. In the Red Hat Network (Registration) screen, select Yes or No and then select Next.

    7. In the Additional CDs screen, install other CDs or packages and then select Next.

    8. In the Finish Setup screen, select Next.

26. If the video resolution is incorrect, edit the /etc/X11/XF86Config file and type the following line in the Monitor section: Option "noddc"

27. To obtain the best security and performance from the blade server, apply all current software upgrades and security patches. Refer to the Red Hat Network Manual in the Documentation section of the Red Hat support Web pages for information about how to do this. The preferred way is to type up2date, as root, at the command line.

28. If the kernel was updated in the previous step, complete the following steps to configure the new kernel as the default:

    1. In the /etc/grub.conf file, set default=0.

    2. Restart the blade server.
       
       

The ability of the remote console applet to accurately track the location of the mouse cursor in a Linux X Window System session depends on the configuration of the X Window System. To configure Red Hat Linux and the X Window System for accurate mouse tracking, complete the procedures in the following sections. Type the commands through the remote console or at the keyboard that is attached to the BladeCenter unit.

Note: Configuration changes require root privileges.

The mouse handler (mousedev) must have the correct resolution information to track the remote mouse cursor correctly. If the host (blade server) resolution is not 1024 x 768, complete the following steps to provide the correct resolution data to the mouse handler:

1. Type init 3 to switch to text mode.

2. Type rmmod mousedev to unload the mouse device driver module.

3. To notify the mouse device driver of the video resolution, add the following statement to the /etc/modules.conf file:

   options mousedev xres=x yres=y
   

   (where x and y are the video resolution)

4. Type insmod mousedev to reload the mouse device driver module.

5. Type init 5 to return to graphical mode.
   
   

To enable the remote mouse to track properly in Red Hat Linux, set the mouse acceleration and threshold values to 1. To change mouse acceleration and threshold values for the current session, open a terminal window and type xset m 1 1

To preserve these changes between sessions, complete the following steps.

Note: A remote mouse is not supported in the text console.

• If you are using GNOME:

  1. Press Ctrl+Esc.

  2. From the menu, select in sequential order Programs, Settings, Session, Session properties, and Startup programs.

  3. Select the Startup programs tab.

  4. Select Add.

  5. In the command line, type xset m 1 1 and select OK.

  6. Select Apply and OK to close the window.

  7. Log out from the session and select the Save current setup check box in the Log Out window.

  The next time you log in, the remote and local mouse are synchronized.

• If you are using KDE:

  1. Press Alt+F1.

  2. From the menu, select in sequential order Preferences, Peripherals, and Mouse.

  3. Select the Advanced tab and change the pointer acceleration and threshold values to 1.

  4. Select Apply and OK to close the window.

  5. Log out from the session and select the Save Current Setup check box in the Log Out window.

  The next time you log in, the remote and local mouse are synchronized.

• If you are using WindowMaker:

  Note: It might be easier to make changes with the local keyboard and mouse.

  1. Press F12.

  2. Select WindowMaker and WPrefs to start the WindowMaker Preferences Utility.

  3. Select the Mouse Preferences icon and change the acceleration and threshold values to 1.

  4. Save the changes and close the window.

  5. Log out from the session and select the Save Workspace State check box in the Log Out window.

  The next time you log in, the remote and local mouse are synchronized.

• If you are using MWM or TWM:

  Note: It might be easier to make changes with the local keyboard and mouse.

  1. Open a terminal window and type xset m 1 1
     

  2. Read the instructions in section 5.3 Synchronizing the remote and local mouse for remote control sessions for additional help if needed.

  This change is not saved between sessions. You must repeat this procedure every time you log in.

• If you are using XDM (graphical login interface):

  1. To switch to text mode, type init 3
     

  2. Add the following entry to the /etc/X11/xdm/Xsetup_0 file: xset m 1 1
     

  3. To return to graphical mode, if necessary, type init 5
     
     

If the remote and local mouse are not synchronized correctly, that is, if there is a constant offset between the cursors on the remote client window, move the cursor toward the bottom of the monitor screen in the remote client window, and then move the local mouse cursor back into the window. This will correct the alignment between the mice.

Note: The blade server might not start in graphical mode if the mouse is not detected when the blade server is turned on. This might happen if the blade server is not associated with the keyboard, monitor, and mouse.

If there is no mouse cursor or if single clicks from the remote mouse do not work, complete the following steps to correct the problem:

1. Open a terminal window.

2. Type setup

3. Select Mouse Configuration.

4. Scroll down and select generic mouse or two-button USB mouse. Select OK.

5. Select Yes to update the X Window System Configuration.

6. Exit the utility.

7. Press Ctrl+Alt+Backspace.

The next time you log in to the X Window System, the remote mouse will work correctly.

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION PROVIDES THIS PUBLICATION "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF NON-INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Some jurisdictions do not allow disclaimer of express or implied warranties in certain transactions, therefore, this statement may not apply to you.

This information could include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors.Changes are periodically made to the information herein;these changes will be incorporated in new editions of the publication. IBM may make improvements and/or changes in the product(s) and/or the program(s) described in this publication at any time without notice.

IBM, BladeCenter, eServer, xSeries, e-business logo, ServerProven, ServeRAID, PS/2, and OS/2 are trademarks of the International Business Machines Corporation in the United States, other countries, or both.

Linux is a trademark of Linus Torvalds in the United States, other countries, or both.

Red Hat, the Red Hat "Shadow Man" logo, and all Red Hat-based trademarks and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Red Hat, Inc., in the United States and other countries.

Other company, product, or service names may be trademarks or service marks of others.