Installation devices and media

Use this information to find out about the devices and media used for upgrades or installations.

The following devices can be used to install the i5/OS™ release. Types of software installation devices provides an overview of the devices available and their naming conventions.

• Optical media
  This topic includes tips for using optical devices and optical media.
• Image catalog for a virtual optical device
  You can use an optical image catalog to perform a software upgrade, install PTFs (fixes), or install single licensed programs that you receive on CD-ROM or optical media. You can also use a tape image catalog and a virtual tape device to install PTFs or to install single licensed programs. You cannot, however, use a virtual tape device to install or upgrade to an i5/OS release.
• Tape or tape libraries
  This topic includes requirements for tape devices or tape libraries.
• Non-IBM tape device
  This topic provides recommendations for non-IBM tape device use.
• Alternate installation device
  This topic describes setup and disabling guidelines for an alternate installation device