A method of providing at least one data carrier for a computer system includes downloading at least one image of a data carrier from a predetermined network source by a service processor of the computer system, the service processor being operable independently of a main processor and an operating system of the computer system; storing, by the service processor, the at least one downloaded image in a non-volatile bulk memory; incorporating, by the service processor, the at least one stored image as active data carrier of a virtual memory drive; and emulating a standard interface that accesses the virtual memory drive such that an operating system can access the active data carrier without manufacturer-specific driver software.