Abstract: A computer workstation 10 intended for use in a computer network 30 (e.g. a LAN), has initialization control logic which, on system power on, interrogates an IPL determinator 45 held in non-volatile read/write storage (e.g. in CMOS) to determine a source of IPL control logic and sets 51, at a predetermined location within a reserved data area of the workstation RAM, an IPL source indicator. The initialization control logic then passes control to the IPL control logic. This causes initial programs to be loaded into the workstation RAM from the IPL source. The IPL source indicator, which is preferably held in an extended BIOS data area can be used by applications running in the workstation's working memory or on a server of a network to which the workstation is connected, to check on the IPL source used. Even if the IPL determinator is changed in preparation for a subsequent session, the IPL indicator will reliably reflect the source of IPL for the current session.