Abstract: A client on a network is provided with auxiliary low power logic, at the network adapter, that is always active and simulates network traffic (e.g. Ethernet format) normally sent under control of the main client system processor(s). This logic receives commands from the network manager, even when the system CPU is powered down or the system is not operational; information which allows the network manager to exercise broader control and perform maintenance and upgrades which would otherwise require service call for maintenance and reconfiguration of the client system. The auxiliary logic also can receive and interpret commands from the network that conform to a predefined format.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a method and system for retrieving and reporting serial numbers of hard disk drives in a computer system. The method and system include electronically obtaining the serial number of each of the hard disk drives. The method and system also include providing the serial number of each of the hard disk drives to a display via a browser. The method and system additionally include copying the serial number of each of the hard disk drives to a radio frequency (RF) enabled memory, wherein the serial numbers can be logged utilizing an RF reader. The RF reader may be included in an RF gate and/or a hand held device. Computer systems with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology configured in accordance with the present invention enable automated electronic tracking of computer assets such as the hard disk drives as they pass through the RF gate in or out of a portal.

Abstract: A computer-input stylus which provides visual color feedback when utilized in conjunction with a computer-implemented software-based drawing application. The input stylus includes a cylindrical body in a conical tip. A color display within the stylus is utilized to illuminate the conical tip with a color indicative of a currently selected color within the software-based drawing application, providing visual color feedback. The color display is implemented utilizing multiple light-emitting diodes or an active matrix liquid crystal display mounted within an optically transparent portion of the conical tip.

Abstract: A carton for shipping a computer is provided with an access panel in one of its sidewalls. The access panel is located adjacent to the power connector, network connector, and power switch for the computer. The access panel provides external access to the connectors and the switch when the computer is packaged inside the carton. The carton also has an intake flap and an exhaust flap in its other sidewalls. If the computer needs to be reconfigured or otherwise electronically accessed, the task may be performed without removing the computer from the carton. The access flap is opened so that power and network cables may be coupled to the computer connectors. One end of a ventilation hose is attached to the aperture formed by the intake flap and the other end of the hose is secured to an air compressor. When the computer is operational, the air compressor supplies compressed air through the hose to force ventilating air into the carton.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for improved electronic voting. The system optionally allows paper type ballots to be utilized. A plurality of cryptographic routines are utilized in a distributed data processing system to maximize the privacy of both the voter's identity and the content of completed ballots. An authentication server is utilized to interact with a voter to issue electronic ballots and receive completed electronic ballots in a manner which determines the authenticity of the identification of the voter, while maintaining the content of the completed ballot confidential. The distributed data processing system further includes a results server which tabulates the content of completed ballots in a manner which maintains the identity of the voters associated with the particular ballots confidential.

Abstract: A computer-input stylus which provides thickness control when utilized in conjunction with a computer-implemented software-based drawing application. The input stylus includes a cylindrical body in a conical tip. A color display within the stylus is utilized to illuminate the conical tip with a color indicative of a currently selected color within the software-based drawing application, providing visual color feedback. Thickness selection is accomplished utilizing a thickness selection input actuator mounted to the cylindrical body of the input stylus. The thickness selection input actuator is utilized to vary the thickness of application of a selected color or pattern, while physically varying the thickness of the conical tip of the input stylus, in a manner analogous to utilizing a thicker tip brush.

Abstract: A tag for use in identifying and communicating with an electronic device such as a computer is disclosed. The tag is self powered from an RF interrogation signal when the electronic device is not operating. The tag is provided with DC power from the electronic device when it is communicating with the electronic device to which it is attached as a portion of memory of the electronic device.

Abstract: An information handling apparatus and screen display control method for appropriately controlling a screen display when a changed output destination for a display signal is selected from among a plurality of display devices having different resolutions.

Abstract: A computer system with a PC Card external connector sends signals to PCI devices as if respective PC Card functions. A cooperating docking station connects to the PC Card connector and so processes the PC Card signals that a set of signals for supporting PCI bus standard are made available at a PCI bus of the docking station. The docking station is hence able to connect to a bus commonly available on computers, particularly laptop computers, for direct plug-in connection and yet supports connection of PCI adapters that otherwise tend to be supported only within a main computer at an internal PCI bus.

Abstract: An information processing system that can reduce the operating frequency of a CPU, or halt the operation of the CPU, at an adequate timing, even when the system is engaged in exchanging data with another independent apparatus (e.g., another PC) via a communication port (a serial port or a parallel port), or when a communication application is being executed.

Abstract: Apparatus for configuring a computer system is adapted to allow configuration to occur on the system unit without removing the system unit from its packaging. By so preparing and operating the unit that it can function to a degree as a network client, it is possible to perform steps for configuring "in the package" that violate normal self test expectations. With this abnormal operating environment and operation the system is placed in condition to be removed from the packaging at the user's location with BIOS and program image customized for the user. This approach provides a freshly configured system and yet eliminates unpacking at a configuration center and then repacking for transfer to the user or the need for refresh configuration at the user site as the system unit is set up for normal use.

Abstract: A frame is provided at the front end of the adapter card receiving area of a personal computer which includes card guides, a flex bar for retaining inserted cards and a dual function blocking member which has opposed blocking surfaces so arranged that they retain the locking bar respectively in a lock and open position respectively and transition between the two with simple, one-hand activation.

Abstract: A security system for computers defines a control zone using radiation, preferably at radio frequency, having a distinctive characteristic, such as a particular frequency. The zone may be established, for example, at a door exit or other limited passage to a secured area. Computer systems are provided with receivers that detect the distinctive characteristic and responsively produce an alarm signal which triggers security logic. The security logic cooperates with the start-up logic of the computer and disables start-up so that the computer becomes inoperative. In a more complex variation, the radiation triggers a device in the computer that in turn sends out a serial number signal. A receiver located near the control zone applies the serial number to a table look up computer that triggers an emergency signal if a match to an authorized list of serial numbers does not occur. The emergency signal activates a transmitter that sends out a radiation signal with a second distinctive characteristic.

Abstract: A computer-input stylus which provides color control when utilized in conjunction with a computer-implemented software-based drawing application. The input stylus includes a cylindrical body in a conical tip. A color display within the stylus is utilized to illuminate the conical tip with a color indicative of a currently selected color within the software-based drawing application, providing visual color feedback. Color selection is accomplished utilizing a color selection input actuator mounted to the cylindrical body of the input stylus. The color selection input actuator, such as a trackpoint device, is utilized to drive a pointer around within a color palette, such as the so-called RGB color triangle.

Abstract: A computer-input stylus which provides texture control when utilized in conjunction with a computer-implemented software-based drawing application. The input stylus includes a cylindrical body in a conical tip. A color display within the stylus is utilized to illuminate the conical tip with a color indicative of a currently selected color within the software-based drawing application, providing visual color feedback. Texture selection is accomplished utilizing a texture selection input actuator mounted to the cylindrical body of the input stylus. The texture selection input actuator, such as a trackpoint device, is utilized to vary the texture of a selected color or pattern.

Abstract: A heat sink for a computer chip is adapted for mounting to a heat exchange plate that has elongate slots with limited clearance on the other side. Mounting apparatus includes latch pins with an elongate knob at the end to have a T-shape with a reduced shaft to define a shank and collar that are so sized as to control the projection of the knob beyond the slot. Specially bent flexible members are preferably interposed between the collar and heat sink to force intimate engagement with the heat exchange plate.

Abstract: A virtual remote cathode has the position of a space charge cloud associated with it fixed by the geometry of a fixed insulating plate. The plate can be made to accurate dimensions and hence the cathode to control grid dimension can be accurately controlled and will not change as a result of any mechanical, electrical or physical changes in the construction. The fixed insulating plate is located on a surface of the control grid facing the cathode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for configuring a computer system is adapted to allow configuration to occur on the system unit without removing the system unit from its packaging. By so preparing and operating the unit that it can function to a degree as a network client, it is possible to perform steps for configuring "in the package" that violate normal self test expectations. With this abnormal operating environment and operation the system is placed in condition to be removed from the packaging at the user's location with BIOS and program image customized for the user. This approach provides a freshly configured system and yet eliminates unpacking at a configuration center and then repacking for transfer to the user or the need for refresh configuration at the user site as the system unit is set up for normal use.