a system and a method that uses a software application operable under a current firmware / operating system configuration to install a new firmware version without “ compromising ” the operating system are presented . the software application may configure a computer system to install a plurality of software fixes configured to enhance functionality under a new firmware / operating system environment after the firmware has been successfully upgraded . such functionality enhancements may be associated with external peripherals , as well as , input / output circuit cards , processors , and the like . in addition , the software application may configure the computing device to “ boot ” under the new firmware / operating system environment upon subsequent system initializations . furthermore , the software application permits the distribution of firmware upgrades via a network . the capability to install firmware remotely permits a system administrator to “ push ” the new firmware to a plurality of network coupled computing devices , thus avoiding manual intervention at each device .