Firmware and software for your server are updated periodically. These updates are made available in software releases. Each software releases contains a set of downloadable files (patches) that include firmware, software, hardware drivers, tools, and utilities for the server. All of these files are tested together and verified to work with your server.
You must update your server firmware and software as soon as possible after a new software release becomes available. Software releases often include bug fixes, and updating your server ensures that you have the latest firmware and software. These updates increase your system performance, security, and stability.
The server Product Notes list the current server software release and firmware version that are available. To determine which firmware version is installed on your server, use either the Oracle ILOM web interface or the command-line interface (CLI).
For the web interface, click System Information → Summary, and in the General Information table, for System Firmware Version, view the property value.
For the CLI, at the command prompt, type: show /System
The ReadMe that is included with each patch in a software release describes components that have been changed since the last software release, and bugs that are fixed in the current release.
The Product Notes in the server documentation identify the latest server software release supported on your server.