++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                    +   AlphaServer 4100/4000 Firmware   +
                    +          README-First !!!          +
                    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

1. Please CAREFULLY read this readme file IN ITS ENTIRETY.
   
    --> Relocation of AlphaBIOS will require running the update utility
        twice if the firmware is updated via any method other than booting
        the CD lfu image.  Please review the release notes for update
        information.

2. When updating console firmware, it is recommended that you update both the
   SRM and AlphaBIOS consoles at the same time to insure compatibility between
   versions.

   -->  Please review release notes information for additional update details
        concerning the relocation of AlphaBIOS in flash.


3. Helpful Hints on using the UPDATE and LIST commands

   UPD> update srm*      to update the SRM console firmware.
   UPD> update alpha*    to update the AlphaBIOS console.
   UPD> update *         to update all firmware in your system.
   UPD> update * -all    to update all firmware in your system without having
                         to confirm each update
   UPD> list             to display adapters in your system that are supported 
                         by the Loadable Firmware Utility [LFU]
   UPD> readme           to display this readme file you are reading now


4. Latest Firmware Update Revisions

   The latest Firmware Update Bootfile "AS4X00_V5_3.EXE" on the Alpha Firmware
   CD V5.3, contains V5.3-1 SRM Console, which has the following components:
   (* = CHANGED since last release)

    --> SRM console V5.3-1 *
    --> XSROM V5.3 *
    --> OpenVMS PALcode V1.19-18 *
    --> DIGITAL UNIX PALcode V1.21-26 *
    --> AlphaBIOS console V5.67-0 *
    --> CIPCA FW version A315  
    --> DEFPA FW version V3.10
    --> ISP1020 FW version V5.57 * (included in SRM console)
    --> KZPSA FW version A11  


5. Firmware Enhancements and New Features (SRM and AlphaBIOS Consoles)

    --> New Digital UNIX PALcode released to fix a problem of incorrect data
        for fill_syn and isr on EV5 detected CRDs.  The problem is specific
        to Digital UNIX PALcode version 1.21-24 released with SRM console 5.2.
    --> New PALcode to store pci_err1 before clearing the CAP register. 
    --> Fix a "controller not found" error for the NCR 53C896 upon boot.
    --> Device recognition added for revised PBXDP-AB and PBXDP-AC.
    --> Device recognition added for DEGPA-SA. 
    --> Latent Support for I2O.
    --> Changes to Unattended Firmware Update to make it independent of
        the currently installed console version.
    --> NT error logging support.  Relocation of AlphaBIOS in flash to support
        the error logging.  Minimum revision requirement for AlphaBIOS is 5.67.
        Please review release notes information for additional details.
    --> Workaround for the Matrox VGA (device and vendor ID = 0x051b102b)
        that would hang when brought up under the SRM console.  This device
        is an NT-only system option and not supported under the SRM console.

6. Firmware Anomalies, Restrictions, and Workarounds

    --> Relocation of AlphaBIOS will require running the update utility
        twice if the firmware is updated via any method other than booting
        the CD lfu image.
    --> The MEMORY_TEST environment variable must be set to FULL (default).
        PARTIAL and NONE are not yet supported under all operating systems.
    --> The B3004-BA and B3002-AB (EV5 300 MHz 2MB cache) CPUs can be mixed in
        the same system. If mixed, you MUST configure a B3002-AB as the primary
        CPU - this is typically CPU0.
    --> VGAs configured as console display devices must be in PCI0.
    --> The system must be reset prior to running LFU from console. Booting the
        LFU off CD-ROM does not require a system reset.

7. AlphaServer 4100/4000 Firmware Release Notes

   If you wish to read the complete FW release notes for the AlphaServer
   4100/4000 they can be found on the V5.3 Alpha FW Update CD, in the
   following directories:

   --> On an OpenVMS System:
       [DOC]ALPHA4100_V53_FW_RELNOTE.PS   (PostScript file)
       [DOC]ALPHA4100_V53_FW_RELNOTE.TXT  (Text file)

   --> On a DIGITAL UNIX System:
       /DOC/ALPHA4100_V53_FW_RELNOTE.PS   (PostScript file)
       /DOC/ALPHA4100_V53_FW_RELNOTE.TXT  (Text file)

   --> On a Windows NT System:
       \DOC\ALPHA4100_V53_FW_RELNOTE.PS   (PostScript file)
       \DOC\ALPHA4100_V53_FW_RELNOTE.TXT  (Text file)