p6update(HW)

Syntax

Description

Computer processors may contain design defects or errors, known as ``errata'', which can cause the processor to deviate from published specifications. Some ``errata'' can be corrected by updating the processor's microcode. The SCO OpenServer p6update utility can correct ``errata'' in the following models of Intel processors: Pentium Pro, Pentium II, Pentium II Xeon, Pentium III, Pentium III Xeon, Pentium 4, Intel Xeon, and Intel Celeron^® processors.

The p6update utility updates a processor based on the the /etc/p6updata file, which contains processor microcode updates provided by Intel. By default, p6update is configured in /etc/inittab to run during system initialization.

An Intel Pentium III family processor has a Processor Serial Number (PSN), which can be accessed by software using the ``cpuid 3'' instruction. However, some administrators prefer that their systems not be identifiable in this way. p6update can also be used to disable the Processor Serial Number, both immediately and whenever the system reboots.

p6update accepts the following options:

• Do not update microcode. If the -v option is also used, displays status. Exit values show whether or not any processors require updating.

• Disable the Pentium Processor Serial Number (PSN).

• Turns on verbose mode.

  If the command is successful, output similar to the following is displayed:

     CPU VENDORSTRING  VERSION FEATURES   PFLAGS   CURREV   NEWREV STATUS
     PSN  0000-0672-0000-CA22-F06B-E786
       0 GenuineIntel      672  387fbff        4       38       38 up-to-date
     PSN  0000-0672-0003-544F-F79B-E469
       1 GenuineIntel      672  387fbff        4       38       38 up-to-date
  

• Specifies one more more CPU numbers on which to operate.

  Note that the p6update utility uses zero-based numbers to identify processors, both in messages and in command syntax. For example, a two-CPU system is represented as having CPU 0 and CPU 1. In contrast, other SCO OpenServer CPU-related commands use a one-based numbering system, so in the above example system, the two CPUs in the system would be displayed as CPU 1 and CPU 2.

Exit values

0

All processors are already updated to the latest available microcode.

non-zero value

A processor needs to be updated, or required files are missing.

Files

/etc/p6updata

Intel microcode update file. More recent versions of this file may be available from SCO.

/etc/inittab

instructions for the init process

See also