---
id: dgx-os-software
title: "DGX OS and System Software"
status: established
source_sections: "Web research: NVIDIA DGX OS 7 User Guide, Dell support articles, Phoronix, NVIDIA DGX Spark User Guide, ServeTheHome"
related_topics: [ai-frameworks, setup-and-config, gb10-superchip]
key_equations: []
key_terms: [dgx-os, ubuntu, cuda, nvidia-driver, dgx-spark, kernel, nvidia-sync, dgx-dashboard, fwupdmgr, ai-enterprise]
images: []
examples: []
open_questions:
  - "Can a stock Ubuntu 24.04 ARM be installed instead of DGX OS?"
  - "Full list of pre-installed NVIDIA packages and exact versions"
  - "Update cadence and EOL timeline details beyond the 2-year guarantee"
---

# DGX OS and System Software

The Dell Pro Max GB10 ships with NVIDIA DGX OS 7, a purpose-built Linux distribution for AI development.

## 1. DGX OS 7 Overview

- **Base:** Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat)
- **Kernel:** Linux 6.8
- **Architecture:** ARM64 (aarch64)
- **NVIDIA branding:** Also called "DGX OS for DGX Spark"

DGX OS is not a separate distribution — it is Ubuntu 24.04 with NVIDIA's customizations layered on top:

- Pre-configured NVIDIA GPU drivers
- CUDA toolkit and libraries
- Platform-specific optimizations and configurations
- Diagnostic and monitoring tools
- System-specific firmware management

## 2. Pre-installed Software Stack

The system ships ready to run AI workloads with:

- **CUDA toolkit + cuDNN** — GPU compute API, compiler, and deep learning primitives
- **NVIDIA drivers** — optimized for GB10 Blackwell GPU
- **Docker + NVIDIA Container Runtime** — container support out of the box (T0 Spec)
- **NVIDIA Sync** — cross-platform desktop app for remote device management (see §8)
- **DGX Dashboard** — system monitoring with integrated JupyterLab
- **NGC** — access to NVIDIA GPU Cloud containerized applications and models
- **AI Enterprise** — enterprise-grade AI software assets and services
- **Python** — system Python plus development environments
- **GCC** — ARM-native compiler toolchain
- **OpenJDK** — Java runtime

For AI frameworks, see [[ai-frameworks]].

## 3. First Boot and Setup

DGX OS uses a **setup wizard** on first boot that handles:

- User account creation
- Network configuration
- System preferences
- Software configuration

The process is designed for fast onboarding. See [[setup-and-config]] for detailed walkthrough.

## 4. OS Reinstallation

Dell provides a documented process for reinstalling DGX OS:

- Boot to GRUB menu
- Select "Install DGX OS 7.2.1 for DGX Spark" from DGX Spark Installation Options
- Installation takes approximately **25-30 minutes**

Source: [Dell Support KB Article](https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000382042/how-to-reinstall-the-nvidia-dgx-operating-system-on-dell-pro-max-with-grace-blackwell-systems)

## 5. Firmware Updates

Dell and NVIDIA use **different firmware signing keys**. Dell units require Dell-signed firmware payloads, not generic DGX Spark firmware. (T1 Documented, ServeTheHome)

### Update Procedure

```bash
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
sudo fwupdmgr refresh
sudo fwupdmgr upgrade
```

The GUI alternative: DGX Dashboard → Settings → Update (triggers reboot for BIOS/firmware changes).

Firmware updates take approximately 1-2 minutes plus a reboot.

## 6. Support Lifecycle

- **Guaranteed updates:** 2 years from purchase (T2, Jeff Geerling)
- **Support channel:** Dell provides support for Dell Pro Max units (not NVIDIA directly)
- **Implication:** Dell partners provide ongoing firmware and support, distinct from NVIDIA's DGX Spark support

## 7. Important Notes

- **ARM-only:** All software must be ARM64/aarch64 compatible. x86 binaries will not run natively.
- **No Windows:** This system does not support Windows installation.
- **Package management:** Standard Ubuntu `apt` package manager, plus NVIDIA's own repositories.
- **NVIDIA kernel:** The system requires NVIDIA's specific kernel for full hardware compatibility.

## 8. NVIDIA Sync (Remote Management App)

NVIDIA Sync is a **cross-platform desktop application** (macOS, Windows, Linux) that connects a laptop/workstation to the DGX Spark / Dell Pro Max GB10 over the local network. (T1 Documented, build.nvidia.com/spark)

### Installation

| Platform | Method |
|----------|--------|
| macOS | Download DMG, drag to Applications |
| Windows | Run installer executable (auto-launches) |
| Linux (Debian/Ubuntu) | Add NVIDIA repository, `apt install` |

### Connection Setup

1. Device and laptop must be on the **same LAN**
2. Provide device hostname (mDNS format: `spark-abcd.local`) or IP address
3. Enter username and password
4. Sync **generates an SSH keypair**, installs the public key on the device, then **discards the stored password**
5. Creates an SSH alias for future connections (password-free after setup)

### Features

- **SSH connection control** — toggle device connectivity on/off
- **Working directory configuration** — set default launch location
- **Application launchers** — one-click launch for:
  - Terminal (SSH session)
  - DGX Dashboard (web UI)
  - VS Code (remote SSH)
  - Cursor (remote SSH)
  - NVIDIA AI Workbench
- **Custom port forwarding** — map localhost ports to remote services (e.g., JupyterLab on port 8888, API servers, etc.)

### Network Discovery

- Uses **mDNS** (`.local` suffix) for automatic hostname resolution on the LAN
- Falls back to direct IP address if mDNS fails
- Requires same network — no WAN/internet remote access built in

### Troubleshooting

- **mDNS resolution failure:** Use IP address instead of hostname
- **Connection timeout during boot:** Wait for device to fully boot
- **Authentication failure:** Reconfigure connection in Sync app

## Key Relationships

- Runs on: [[gb10-superchip]]
- Provides platform for: [[ai-frameworks]]
- Setup process: [[setup-and-config]]