Abstract: A system and method of enabling use of software applications using stored software licensing information is disclosed. In one form, a method of enabling use of a software application is disclosed. The method can include accessing a first software licensing information of a first software application within a non-volatile memory of an information handling system. The first licensing information can be stored in association with an order fulfillment process. The method can also include executing an initialization routine in association with a BIOS of the information handling system. In one form, the initialization routine can be operable to initiate accessing the software licensing information from the non-volatile memory to enable use of the first software application.

Abstract: A system and method of enabling use of software applications using stored software licensing information is disclosed. In one form, a method of enabling use of a software application is disclosed. The method can include accessing a first software licensing information of a first software application within a non-volatile memory of an information handling system. The first licensing information can be stored in association with an order fulfillment process. The method can also include executing an initialization routine in association with a BIOS of the information handling system. In one form, the initialization routine can be operable to initiate accessing the software licensing information from the non-volatile memory to enable use of the first software application.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of processing keyboard input, the method including receiving a keyboard type of a keyboard coupled an information handling system, receiving keyboard input from the keyboard and processing the keyboard input as a function of the keyboard type.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for single list BBS implementations that allow for significant configurability and ease of use improvements. BCV devices are included as individual entries in the IPL list so that intermixing of devices of different device types is freely allowed. As such, users are provided a simplified and more powerful configuration interface through which to select the order of boot devices. In addition, a drive swizzler or hard drive link handler is included to provide an interface between the INT 13 link chain for hard drives and the operating system.

Abstract: Plural information handling system configuration setting restore points stored in non-volatile memory are selectable by an end user for use in booting an information handling system. For example, the configuration setting restore points include basic default settings having known safe values, factory default settings used at shipment of the system from its manufacturer and last known good settings last used in a successful boot. A configuration settings restore point interface presents the restore points to an end user for selective use in a system boot, such as if corruption is detected in the configuration settings of the CMOS of the information handling system.

Abstract: For changing configuration data (CFD) stored in a non-volatile memory (NVM) device of an information handling system (IHS), a determination is made whether the IHS is operating in a startup mode or in a run-time mode. In the startup mode, a basic input output system (BIOS) program stored in the NVM is executed to change the CFD. In the run-time mode, an application program (AP) is executed to interface with the BIOS for changing the CD. The AP provides an authentication request to enable the AP to change the CFD and the BIOS provides a security access key to the AP in response to authenticating the request. The CFD is received and changed by the AP to generate a revised CFD. The revised CFD and the security access key are provided to the BIOS to save the change in the NVM.

Abstract: In a system for accessing data stored on a storage device (SD) that is capable of being coupled to an information handling system (IHS), the SD includes a lock to control access to the data by a program and includes a storage media to store the data. The program is configured to execute on the IHS. The lock includes a first identifier to authenticate the program and a second identifier to authenticate the IHS. The lock permits access to the data when both the program and the IHS are authenticated, whereas the lock denies access to the data when the SD is coupled to another IHS.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for single list BBS implementations that allow for significant configurability and ease of use improvements. BCV devices are included as individual entries in the IPL list so that intermixing of devices of different device types is freely allowed. As such, users are provided a simplified and more powerful configuration interface through which to select the order of boot devices. In addition, a drive swizzler or hard drive link handler is included to provide an interface between the INT 13 link chain for hard drives and the operating system.

Abstract: A system and method for unlocking storage drives during the transition from a low power state to an operational state in a computer system is disclosed. During initiation of the computer system, a password for each password-protected storage drive is saved to a memory location in the computer system. During the transition from a low power state to an operational power state, the password associated with each password-protected device is retrieved from the memory location on the basis of the unique identifier associated with each storage drive and applied to the storage drive for the purpose of unlocking or making the storage drive accessible.

Abstract: Bus numbering management for an information handling system, such as a personal computer, is provided by interfacing one or more selectively hidden devices with one or more buses through either a hardware or software implementation. If an inactive bus becomes active, then disabling of a selectively hidden device interfaced with another active bus provides a bus number to the newly active bus. For instance, if a graphics capability is added to a computer system through a PCI bus, a PCI bridge associated with a second PCI bus is disabled so that the PCI bus number for the portion of the second PCI bus between the chipset of the computer system and the PCI bridge is available for use as the PCI bus number for the PCI bus associated with the graphics capability. The PCI bus number for the portion of the second PCI bus between the PCI bridge and existing peripheral devices is available for use for both portions of the second PCI bus.

Abstract: Memory testing at system startup, such as boot POST, of an information handling system is accelerated by adjusting memory testing routines to use instructions that take advantage of optimizations made to information handling system and CPU architectures. For instance, memory test iterations in one Mbyte portions using 128-bit SIMD registers, 64-bit MMX registers, ADD and SUB instructions, the MOVNTDQ instruction, and relying on an initial setting of the gate A20 and protected mode result in a substantially accelerated memory test.

Abstract: An interposer is formed by forming a laminate comprising a first sheet of electrically insulating material and a second sheet of conductive material. The first sheet has a first plurality of apertures therethrough and the second sheet is laminated to the first sheet to close the first plurality of apertures. Material is removed from the second sheet around the first plurality of apertures to form conductive pads, the pads closing the first plurality of apertures. A third sheet of electrically insulating material is attached to the second sheet. The third sheet has a second plurality of apertures therethrough, the third sheet being positioned relative to the second sheet such that the apertures of the second plurality are closed by the conductive pads. In a preferred form, the third sheet is positioned relative to the first sheet so that the apertures of the second plurality are not in registration with the apertures of the first plurality.

Abstract: A system for removing solder from an area grid array pad by applying a wire mesh to a conductive surface of the area grid array that is covered with solder. Heat is applied to the wire mesh and the conductive surface of the area grid array so that the solder flows from the conductive surface onto the wire mesh. The wire mesh is removed from the conductive surface thereby removing all solder from the conductive surface of the area grid array.