About DGX OS 8#

NVIDIA DGX OS provides a custom NVIDIA BaseOS distribution based on Ubuntu with optimizations and additional software for DGX supercomputers, featuring a fully tested, stable environment for AI and machine learning workloads.

NVIDIA DGX™ systems are shipped preinstalled with DGX OS to provide a turnkey solution for running AI and analytics workloads. Initial system configuration is deferred to a setup wizard that runs after the first boot. The setup wizard offers a fast onboarding experience for DGX users.

The DGX OS installer is released as an ISO image for reimaging a DGX system. It deploys Ubuntu and the BaseOS software for DGX, which consists of drivers, additional tools, and configurations specific to the DGX platform.

You also have the option to install the BaseOS software on Ubuntu 26.04 while still benefiting from the advanced features provided in DGX OS. This installation method supports more flexibility, such as custom partition schemes. Cluster deployments also benefit from this installation method by taking advantage of Ubuntu’s standardized, automated, and non-interactive installation process.

DGX OS 8 Features#

The key features of the DGX OS 8 release are as follows:

  • DGX OS 8 is based on Ubuntu 26.04 and incorporates the NVIDIA BaseOS operating environment with optimizations and additional software for DGX supercomputers.

  • Ubuntu 26.04 provides updated versions of OpenSSH, SSSD, and Samba, and uses Chrony as the default time daemon. Refer to Ubuntu 26.04 LTS summary for more details.

  • DGX OS 8 uses the NVIDIA-optimized Linux kernel across all platforms. Managed by Canonical and NVIDIA and available from the Ubuntu repository, this kernel is based on Ubuntu Linux 7.0 and includes NVIDIA-specific changes and optimizations.

  • DGX OS 8 provides NVIDIA Data Center Infrastructure-on-a-Chip Architecture (DOCA) software and supports Ubuntu’s inbox OpenFabrics Enterprise Distribution (OFED) stack.

  • DGX OS 8 includes an Ubuntu Pro Client Extended Security Maintenance (ESM) subscription for DGX customers.

  • DGX OS 8 now uses Ubuntu’s docker.io package, providing more consistent updates to the Docker Engine with faster security fixes through the Ubuntu repositories.

Installation and Upgrade#

This document covers installation and upgrade options for DGX OS. It also provides instructions for setting up the system and installing additional software.

Initial Setup

If DGX OS 8 is already installed on your DGX system, refer to Initial Setup for information about setting up the system on first boot. After initial setup, refer to Upgrading the OS to perform a package upgrade to the latest software package versions.

Reimaging the System

To restore a DGX system to a default DGX OS installation and erase all data, you can use the ISO image that includes an autonomous installer. Refer to Reimaging the System.

Deploying BaseOS Software on Ubuntu

To install and configure the BaseOS software on Ubuntu, refer to Deploying Ubuntu and the BaseOS Software.

Installing Additional Software

The NVIDIA and Ubuntu repositories provide additional software packages to enhance system capabilities. Refer to Installing Additional Software for more information on installing software packages and upgrade instructions.

Upgrading the OS

The NVIDIA and Ubuntu repositories are regularly updated with packages that include critical bug fixes and security patches. To update packages within the DGX OS 8 release or upgrade your existing DGX OS installation to DGX OS 8, refer to Upgrading the OS.

Important

Before you upgrade or install any new software, always refer to the Release Notes for the latest information about available upgrades. You can find more information about the release cadence and release methods for DGX OS in Release Guidance.

NVIDIA Enterprise Support#

NVIDIA Enterprise Support is the support resource for DGX customers and can assist with hardware, software, or NGC application issues. For more information about how to obtain support, refer to NVIDIA Enterprise Support.