Downloading AIX and Fixes

Downloading AIX Install Media

No more ordering CDROMs or DVDs for AIX installation media and waiting days - Note: this also works for IBM i.

Now you download the AIX install .iso image over the web and install from there:

• Use the virtual DVD drive on your VIOS 2.1 and install directly into a LPAR
• Mount the image & read the contents into your NIM Server
• If you are a Luddite then burn a DVD and put it in the Power machine

Mounting a .iso image on AIX is still hard work

• On recent AIX 6 systems use the loopmount command.
• On older AIX versions use this method from the AIX wiki on mounting .iso files

Details on the new service:

• You have to prove you are entitled via a customer number, machine serial numbers and SWMA
• See the ESS Web Site Registration & Use Guidelines .PDF document, summarized (for AIX) on the How to download ISO images of installation CDs for software which is entitled on a Power System server web page.
• Then you can download the AIX media, Expansion Packs, Linux Tool box and more
• Start at http://www.ibm.com/eserver/ess login with your IBM Id and take the "Software Downloads" link
• Using Firefox on AIX via VNC will download the .iso straight to AIX but watch out for ulimit file size as the DVD sizes are ~4 GB.

Downloading Fixes

This is simple - all the Technology Levels and Service Packs are available from FixCentral

• http://www.ibm.com/support/fixcentral/
• Select Power or System p
• Select AIX
• Select your AIX version - 4.3.3, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 , 6.1, 7.1
• Select Fix Packs
• Then click on Continue
• Wait a few second
• Then you get a calendar which explains the current versions and when they came out.
• Then proceed to download a either a Technology Level, a Service Pack or in one go the Technology Level and Service Pack.

The alternative is to use Systems Director which will tell you the technology and service packs available, download them for you and install them on the AIX servers for you using a NIM server.