Hardware, firmware and drivers (2nd edition)

Because the subject is still actual, I created an updated version of this post from 2015.

A modern server is besides our favorite ESXi hypervisor loaded with all kinds of additional software, like the BIOS, firmware and drivers for items like; Baseboard management , Remote support interfaces, Storage controllers, NICs, Power Supplies, to name a few.

Some vendors provide ISO images or repositories containing the actual updates, you may run the update process and voila, ready and done.
If you want to stay in control and want some more insight in this subject, please read on.

It comes down to these four questions:

• What hardware is in the server?
• How to determine the current firmware and or driver?
• Which driver and or firmware do I need?
• How do I upgrade drivers and firmware?