Abstract: Digital images are captured of uninstalled memory modules, an identifying portion of a target computer system, and empty memory module sockets within the target computer system. The captured digital images are analyzed to identify each of the uninstalled memory modules and the number and type of empty memory module sockets. A predetermined set of installation rules associated with the target computer system are used to determine a memory module configuration that identifies the uninstalled memory modules to be installed in the empty memory module sockets. Real-time digital video of a user installing each of the memory modules in one of the empty memory module sockets is captured and displayed on a display device. The displayed digital video is augmented with a computer generated graphic element or audio identifying which empty memory module socket should receive a particular memory module. Other pluggable components may be similarly configured and installed.

Abstract: Digital images are captured of uninstalled memory modules, an identifying portion of a target computer system, and empty memory module sockets within the target computer system. The captured digital images are analyzed to identify each of the uninstalled memory modules and the number and type of empty memory module sockets. A predetermined set of installation rules associated with the target computer system are used to determine a memory module configuration that identifies the uninstalled memory modules to be installed in the empty memory module sockets. Real-time digital video of a user installing each of the memory modules in one of the empty memory module sockets is captured and displayed on a display device. The displayed digital video is augmented with a computer generated graphic element or audio identifying which empty memory module socket should receive a particular memory module. Other pluggable components may be similarly configured and installed.

Abstract: The present invention is an information processing system. The information system comprises a housing, a card insulator, and a card insulator guide. The card insulator comprises a planar portion, a handle portion coupled to the planar portion, the handle portion including a securing element for securing the card insulator to the housing. The card insulator guide is coupled to the housing wherein the card insulator guide comprises at least one slot for receiving the card insulator and a retainer lid hingedly coupled to the at least one slot for securing the card insulator to the card insulator guide. Through the use of the system in accordance with the present invention, the card insulator is coupled to the information processing system in a more secure fashion thereby preventing the card insulator from popping out of position as a result a shock or vibration to the information processing system.

Abstract: A computer has at least one adapter card slot for receiving an optional adapter card. A cover plate is rotatable hinged and has open and closed positions. In the closed position, the cover plate covers the adapter card slot and inhibits the insertion or removal of an adapter card. When the cover plate is raised into the open position, a tab on the back of the cover plate is rotated out of the slot of an optical switch, and the optical switch then signals circuitry to remove power and bus signals from the adapter card slot; thereby permitting the adapter card to be removed from or inserted into the slot without removing power to the entire computer. When the cover plate is returned to the closed position, the tab is reinserted into the slot of the optical switch, which in turn signals the circuitry to return power and bus signals to the adapter card slot.

Abstract: A removable card insulator and guide prevents inadvertent shorting during the insertion or removal of an adapter card into a "hot-plug" computer system. The card insulator includes perpendicular first and second planar portions. When installed in a computer system, the first planar portion is positioned perpendicular to the motherboard, and the second planar portion is positioned parallel to the motherboard such that any components on the motherboard are positioned between the second planar portion and the motherboard. The second planar portion includes a slot through which an adapter card connector can be passed to mate with a connector on the motherboard. A step has perpendicular riser and tread portions, wherein the riser is attached perpendicular to the second planar portion, such that the tread is parallel to and offset from the second planar portion.