Methods, systems and computer program products are provided which update firmware in a network computer by replacing the standard operating system to be loaded at the initialization of the network computer with a firmware update operating system. The firmware update operating system is then downloaded to the network computer and initiated to update the firmware of the network computer. The firmware update operating system may then be replaced with the standard operating system to be loaded at the initialization of the network computer. The network computer may then be reinitialized by, for example, a cold boot, so as to load the standard operating system. The cold boot may be server initiated so as to allow for firmware updates with intervention by an operator at the network computer.