Abstract: An apparatus and a method for storing diagnostic software on a data storage device provides one or more ghost partitions overlapping a user partition on a data storage device. During a factory download of the application software as well as the diagnostics software, the apparatus creates a user partition and one or more overlapping ghost partitions. Next, it determines a minimum and maximum partition size for the ghost partition(s) and allocates the ghost partition size(s) appropriately. The apparatus then creates one or more master boot records (MBRs), one for each created partition. The ghost partition containing the diagnostics software is set as the active partition to allow the diagnostic software to be executed. Upon completion of the diagnostics process, the MBR for a second ghost partition is enabled so that upon reboot, download verification software located on a second ghost partition can be executed to ensure the correctness of the software downloading process.

Abstract: A method for controlling flow, through a computer hardware resource, of information to and from computer applications. When a flow of information is initiated from one of the applications, a determination is made whether the resource is being accessed by another one of the applications and, if so, the flow of information from the first application is delayed. If not, then the flow of information is enabled. When a flow of information is initiated toward the applications, a determination is made to which one of the applications the information is flowing, and the flow is directed to that one application. A graphical interface associates, in the mind of a user, a computer hardware resource with a corresponding real office device, the computer resource enabling the computer to function like the consumer device.

Abstract: A computer system comprising at least one processor and associated cache memory, and a plurality of registers to keep track of the number of cache memory lines associated with each process thread running in the computer system. Each process thread is assigned to one of the plurality of registers of each level of cache that is being monitored. The number of cache memory lines associated with each process thread in a particular level of the cache is stored as a number value in the assigned register and will increment as more cache memory lines are used for the process thread and will decrement as less cache memory lines are used. The number value in the register is defined as the "process thread temperature." Larger number values indicate warmer process thread temperature and smaller number values indicate cooler process thread temperature. Process thread temperatures are relative and indicate the cache memory line usage by the process threads running in the computer system at a particular level of cache.

Abstract: A network system that provides a scaleable and distributed architecture to enable a plurality of remote clients to access a local area network (LAN). The network system includes an access server that executes a network operating system (NOS), such as any standard NOS, to enable communication with the LAN, an access bus, an access device coupled to the access server and the access bus that cooperates with the NOS to establish a communication link between the access server and the clients, and at least one multiport device coupled to the access bus and coupled to one or more clients through corresponding wide area network (WAN) connections that cooperates with the access device to establish a communication link between clients and the access device. The access server is preferably implemented on an industry standard platform using industry standard components. The access bus is either a dedicated bus or a shared media bus, such as Ethernet.

Abstract: A system for automatically electrically connecting electronic components, such as an input/output board and a power supply, with a motherboard includes attaching in a tray with electronic components with a frame. In one embodiment, a tray is pivotably attached to a computer housing frame and a connector extends from the under side of the tray. As the tray is pivoted about its axis, the connector is engaged or disengaged from a connector fixedly mounted on the motherboard. The connector on the motherboard has a flexible funneled opening to facilitate insertion of the pivoting connector. In another embodiment, a tray with electronic components can be quickly disconnected from the motherboard by lifting the tray straight up guided by frame tracks. By lifting the tray, a series of leads mounted on the tray are disengaged from the slot connector mounted on the motherboard. Advantageously, a method for disconnecting electronic components from a motherboard in a computer frame is disclosed.

Abstract: A computer system and method for allowing access to system partitions while an operating system is operational are disclosed. The system partitions are mounted by the operating system as logical drives so that the system partitions can be accessed as any other logical drive. In one embodiment, a method for accessing a special partition on at least one of a plurality of physical disks associated with a computer system running an operating system includes the operations of identifying a designated disk from the plurality of physical disks, each of the physical disks having a partition table associated therewith, and determining whether there is a special partition on the designated disk.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for performing dynamic synchronization between data stored in a handheld computer and a host computer, each having a plurality of data sets including at least one common data set, each computer having a copy of the common data set. The handheld computer has a processor, a communication port, and a data synchronization engine. The data synchronization engine has a pseudo-cache and one or more tags connected to the pseudo cache. Data is synchronized whenever data is written to main memory and/or when the associated pseudo-cache tag is invalidated. By strict adherence to a set of protocols, data coherency is achieved because the system always knows who owns the data, who has a copy of the data, and who has modified the data. The data synchronization engine resolves any differences in the copies and allows the storage of identical copies of the common data set in the host computer and in the handheld computer.

Abstract: A memory controller and method of operation for detecting different type of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) devices in a computer system. The memory controller has capabilities for improved page hits which cause the row address strobe signals to remain asserted following certain cycles. A mechanism in the memory controller selectably disables column address strobing. Different DRAM types are distinguishable by reading back data previously written to a memory location. Data is written to memory with a cycle causing the memory controller to keep the row address strobes asserted. Column address strobing is disabled. A read back cycle is performed without column address strobing. If data is present, the DRAM is an extended data output (EDO) DRAM. If data is not present, the DRAM is a fast page mode DRAM.

Abstract: A circuit for selectively performing big-endian/little-endian data format conversion based on whether instructions or data are being transferred. The data and instructions are allocated to different regions in memory so that the big-endian/little-endian conversion is based on the source or destination address of the requested operation. Registers are provided to define a lower bound address and an upper bound address. In addition, a separate register is provided which indicates whether the data is stored between the lower bound and upper bound addresses or outside the lower bound and upper bound addresses. The registers are write addressable through the PCI configuration space, the memory space, and the I/O space, which allows the values in the registers to be changed dynamically during computer system operation.

Abstract: A system for securing an electronic component, such as a CPU, includes a support extending substantially in a plane and a fastener coupled to the support. The support may be a heat sink secured to a component for dissipating heat generated during operation of the component. The fastener extends through extensions or fins of the heat sink, generally parallel to the plane of the heat sink and component package. A biasing spring urges the fastener toward a disengaged position. A biased retainer maintains the biasing spring and fastener within the assembly. The component is initially engaged in a receiving socket for installation. The fastener is then engaged in the mechanical support to draw the component into full engagement. A reference surface on the securement assembly contacts the mechanical support to limit engagement of the component. The fastener may include a torque-limiting assembly for limiting the torque applied to the mechanical support upon full engagement of the component.

Abstract: The present invention resolves conflicts in the computer system with one or more devices and one or more system resources and where each of the devices has an existing configuration and one or more acceptable configurations. The devices are represented as one or more objects corresponding to each of the devices. Each object has a move procedure and a fit procedure. The move procedure requests objects representative of other devices to move from their existing configurations, while the fit procedure attempts to fit an acceptable configuration of the object into the system resources. The objects are linked together using a tree structure. When a new or unconfigured device is to be added to the system, the apparatus provides a new or unconfigured object representative of the new or unconfigured device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing system functionality through a predefined interface is disclosed. Signal lines which are not used or which are not used in certain modes are connected to an interconnection device instead of being connected to an interface wherein the output of the interconnection device is connected to the interface where such lines would have been connected. The interconnection device also has a set of inputs for receiving signals from a device providing the desired functionality. A controller chooses between the two sets of inputs to control what signal lines are connected to the predefined interface. Accordingly, during certain modes of operation, the added functionality from a device whose output is being switched into the interface can be supported. In one embodiment, speaker phone capability is provided for even though the predefined PCMCIA interface does not support such capability.

Abstract: Improved techniques for facilitating identification of a computer system's hardware features to software executing on the computer system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the software is system management software that serves to monitor and control the computer system to reduce failures and/or improve performance. In a general sense, the invention provides a system feature table within a computer system to describe each of the hardware features of the computer system, including feature data and appropriate access mechanisms for additional information. In addition, a user can be notified when the software does not support all the hardware features of the computer system. The invention also is able to identify locations of failing hardware features for easy replacement or examination.

Abstract: A mobile portable computer docking/office station is adapted for use in an automotive vehicle or a hotel room and includes a portable housing which may be rested on a car or truck seat. The housing is shaped to resemble a child's car seat, and has exterior side surface indentations which receive portions of the vehicle's passenger side seat belt structure to hold the housing in place on the vehicle seat. A docking area is formed in the housing and is provided with an electrical connector that mates with a corresponding connector on a portable computer when the computer is operatively inserted into the docking area. A printer/scanner unit, a cellular modem, a pair of speakers, and a computer battery charger are carried by the housing and are operatively coupled to the docking area connector. DC electrical power may be transmitted to these components by a self-retracting power cord carried by the housing and having an outer end member that may be plugged into the vehicle's cigarette lighter.

Abstract: A desktop computer system is provided in which a motherboard is mounted within a computer chassis atop a tray which is rearwardly slidable out of a rear wall opening in the chassis to provide access to the motherboard. I/O cables are coupled to I/O connectors mounted on a rear end edge of the motherboard, and a connector socket extending along a side edge portion of the motherboard removably receives a bottom side edge connector portion of a riser card which transversely projects upwardly from the motherboard. All cable connections from internal computer devices are made directly to the riser card instead of to the motherboard. Accordingly, all that is necessary to provide access to the motherboard is to upwardly unseat the riser card from the motherboard and then slide the motherboard, with the I/O cables still connected thereto, rearwardly out of the chassis on the tray.

Abstract: A new and improved apparatus and method for rebuilding a replacement disk of a fault tolerant, mass storage drive array subsystem of a computer system. The method calls for a microprocessor to check a stripe for consistency. If the stripe is inconsistent, the microprocessor rebuilds a predetermined number of stripes. If the checked stripe is inconsistent, then the microprocessor checks a next stripe and repeats the above-described process. Because the drive array subsystem receives both system requests and rebuild requests, the present invention allows a user to select the drive array subsystem's priority in processing system requests versus rebuild requests, thereby allowing greater system access to the drive array subsystem during peak times of system requests.

Abstract: A personal computer provides security features enabling control over access to data retained in the computer. The computer is secured by having the system ROM provide a password at power-on to a security device which controls access to the secured features. Once a password has been downloaded to the security device, a Protect Resources command is issued to the security device. To gain access to the secured feature after boot-up, the user provides the correct password to the security device and waits for approval from the security device. Since the security device only verifies the password and does not divulge it, security of the system is enhanced. Once access to protected resources is no longer required, the computer issues another Protect Resources command to the security device to once more lock access to the protected resources.

Abstract: A computer system has a speaker, a unit having a central processor, a monitor separate from the unit, a video cable connecting the unit to the monitor, and a volume control for the speaker, the volume control being mounted in the monitor. Circuitry in the unit responds to the volume control by adjusting the volume output of the speaker.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a bus having enhanced signals qualities which includes the steps of determining the intrinsic inductance per unit length (L.sub.0) and intrinsic capacitance per unit length (C.sub.0) of the unloaded bus. The method also includes the step of determining the load capacitance per unit length (C.sub.d) of the bus that is attributable to the peripheral devices that will be attached to the bus. Based on these values, an adjustment inductance (L.sub.d) per unit length for the bus is calculated for the bus with L.sub.d being substantially equal to L.sub.0 * C.sub.d /C.sub.0. Finally, one inductor of value L.sub.d is added per unit length of the bus. The added adjustment inductance offsets the capacitance attributable to the peripheral devices attached to the bus. The result is that signals within the bus have rise and fall times acceptable for high speed operation.