Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling boot programs sent by a server computer system to a plurality of client computer systems in response to a plurality of requests by the client computer systems. Specifically, the invention provides for a priority boot, a paced boot or a combination priority and paced boot enabled by a remotely controlled boot process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to control access to operating systems sent by a server computer system to a client computer system in response to a request by the client computer system utilizing a pre-execution logon verification of user identification and password and override of the Universally Administered Address by a Locally Administered Address corresponding to the boot package to be sent to the client workstation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the administrator of a computer network to make changes to boot manager configuration from a server without any direct involvement at the local workstation.

Abstract: A computer program, installed on a computer, allows a user of that computer to be assigned a personal local data partition and the data to be retained in the partition. When a second user logs on, that user is assigned a different personal data partition. When the computer boots after logon by the second user, the operating system does not see the first users partition and will assign the same drive letter to the second user's partition. The process repeats for any number of users. Therefore, at each boot of the system, the operating system will not see the personal data partitions for any other user than the user who just logged on with his or her individual identification.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for Dynamic MAC Allocation and Configuration is based on the ability to remotely boot a client machine from a server machine and adds the capability to assign a Locally Administered Address (LAA) to override the Universally Administered Address (UAA). A set of programs at the workstation allows a remote boot and interaction the server. The client machine will send out a DMAC discovery frame. The discovery frame will be intercepted by a DMAC program installed on the server which will be running and listening for the request. Once the DMAC program intercepts the request it analyzes the request and takes one of two actions. If necessary, the server will run an “initialization” script. For workstations that have already been initialized, the server will send an LAA to the client workstation from a table or pool. The client workstation will then request an operating system with its new LAA. The boot options will be a table or pool corresponding to an LAA or range of LAA's.