8 Getting Firmware and Software

This section explains the options for accessing server firmware and software updates using My Oracle Support. It also describes how to use Oracle Software Delivery Cloud to download operating systems and software applications.

Customers are required to install the latest available operating system (OS), patches, and firmware versions for optimal system performance, security, and stability.

To ensure continued security of your system, Oracle strongly recommends that you apply the latest Software Releases. Server Software Releases include Oracle ILOM, BIOS, and other firmware updates, often referred to as “patches.” Oracle publishes these patches regularly on the My Oracle Support site. Applying these patches will help ensure optimal system performance, security, and stability. You can identify the latest Software Release for your system at Firmware Downloads and Release History for Oracle Systems.

To download a Software Release, go to My Oracle Support.

Oracle notifies customers about security vulnerability fixes for all its products four times a year through the Critical Patch Update (CPU) program. Review the CPU advisories to ensure that the latest Software Release updates are applied to your Oracle products. Note that updates for Engineered Systems will be specifically published for a specific Engineered Systems product (that is, you need not look at specific updates for individual software components included in your Engineered System). For more information about the Oracle CPU program, go to Critical Patch Updates, Security Alerts and Bulletins.

Oracle also recommends that you update to the latest operating system release when it becomes available. Although a minimum operating system release is supported, updating to the latest OS release will ensure that you have the most up-to-date software and security patches. To confirm that you have the latest OS release, refer to the Oracle Hardware Compatibility Lists or third-party operating system certification information.