alpha500 V72 fw relnote

This document, titled "DIGITAL AlphaStation 500, 600 V7.2 Firmware Update Procedures And Release Notes," published by Compaq Computer Corporation in March 2000, provides instructions and information for updating the console and I/O adapter firmware on Digital AlphaStation 500 and 600 systems.

Key aspects of the document include:

1. Introduction and Compatibility: It introduces the guide's purpose, which is to instruct users on firmware updates using provided utilities. It includes detailed tables outlining the compatibility between various SRM Console (up to V7.2) and ARC/AlphaBIOS Firmware (up to 4.58) revisions with different versions of OpenVMS, Tru64 UNIX, and Windows NT operating systems.
2. Console Release Notes (V7.2): This section details the components and their revisions for the V7.2 firmware package, including APU (7.2), SRM Console (7.2-2), ARC Firmware (4.58), PCI Update Utility (7.2), VMS PALcode (1.20-0), and UNIX PALcode (1.22-0). It also lists numerous enhancements and new features, such as:
   • Improved boot reset functionality.
   • Added date to "show config" display.
   • Fixed Ethernet driver issues (auto-negotiation for 21143 chip).
   • Enhancements to MOP trigger booting, including new environment variables (mop_password, mop_version, mop_debug) and removal of console password use for MOP trigger boot.
   • Added Pause Screen capability for long screen outputs, with new environment variables (graphics_page, graphics_type, tta0_page, tta0_type) for control.
   • Added recognition for FORE ATM adapters.
   • Fixes for PAL version printout, improved Console Banner, ELSA_VGA reset, and potential machine checks on power-up.
3. Firmware Update Procedures: The document provides step-by-step instructions for upgrading the AlphaStation 500 and 600 firmware, which is stored in flash ROMs. Procedures cover:
   • Updating Console Firmware Using the CD: Detailed steps for Tru64 UNIX and OpenVMS users (booting from CD, initializing system, identifying CD-ROM drive, running update utility) and specific steps for Windows NT users (shutting down NT, inserting CD, using "Supplementary Menu").
   • Updating I/O Adapter Firmware: Instructions for using the firmware CD to update I/O adapters, following similar initial steps as the console update.
   • Preparing a Firmware Update Floppy Diskette: Instructions on how to create a firmware update floppy for various operating systems (Windows NT, Tru64 UNIX, OpenVMS, and DOS/Windows), including details on downloading necessary files and formatting the floppy.