Abstract: A computer system includes circuitry for selecting among first and second parameters in response to a command. The parameters are for use in computing a password. The circuitry is for reading content of the selected parameter from a computer-readable medium and computing the password in response thereto. The password computed in response to content of the first parameter is different from the password computed in response to content of the second parameter. Also, the circuitry is for concealing the password from a user of the computer system.

Abstract: A method, computer program product and computer system that features intermittently entering the system management mode of a processor to commence and terminate I/O activity between external devices and computer system resources. To that end, a system management interrupt handler is included that monitors bus transactions between a bus controller and an external device that is the subject of I/O activity. Upon sensing the completion of a bus transaction, the system management interrupt handler transmits a system management interrupt to the processor. In response thereto, the processor reads a buffer in the bus controller and provides the requisite resources with the I/O information contained therein.

Abstract: A system for dynamically implementing a plurality of virtual local area networks (“VLANs”) across multiple sites is described. In one embodiment, the system includes a first VLAN-capable switch at a first site; a first system under test (“SUT”) connected to the first VLAN-capable switch via a first burn rack switch; a second VLAN-capable switch located at a second site remote from the first site; a second SUT connected to the second VLAN-capable switch via a second burn rack switch; and means for connecting the first and second VLAN-capable switches such that the first and second SUTs are connected to a single virtual private network (“VPN”). The means for connecting may consist of either first and second routers respectively connected to the first and second VLAN-capable switches and interconnected via a T1 line or an ATM connection.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for dynamically connecting a system under test (“SUT”) to and disconnecting an SUT from a private virtual local area network (“VLAN”) in a computer manufacturing environment are described. In a preferred embodiment, each time an SUT disposed in a burn rack boots up, a VLAN-capable switch (hereinafter “CAT”) connected thereto checks the media access control (“MAC”) address of the SUT against a MAC address-to-VLAN correlation table (“MAC-VLAN table”). If the SUT's MAC address is not listed in the MAC-VLAN table, the CAT connects the SUT to a predefined default VLAN; i.e., the manufacturer's main manufacturing network. If the SUT's MAC address is included in the MAC-VLAN table, there is a private VLAN associated with the SUT and the CAT connects the SUT to the associated VLAN in a conventional fashion, at which point custom configuration can be performed as needed on the private VLAN.

Abstract: A system for individually disabling a function of a multifunction device located on a computer bus of a computer system. In one example, the multifunction device is located on a computer bus conforming to a PCI local bus standard and the multifunction device is a PCI compliant device. The multifunction device includes at least one register that stores configuration information regarding which functions are disabled. In response to a bus command addressed to a function, the configuration information is read to determine whether the function is disabled. The configuration information may be stored in the device dependent region of a configuration register space associated with each function. A function can be enabled or disabled by changing the configuration information stored in the multifunction device. Writes to change the configuration information may be made during a computer system BIOS startup routine or may be made by utilizing a configuration utility of the computer system's operating system.

Abstract: Browser software loaded on a customer's system during a factory pre-install process that includes an identifying information for a computer system in a universal resource locator pre-installed on the system hard drive is described. HTML content pre-installed on the hard drive by a vendor includes identifying information so that when the customer contacts the vendor via the worldwide web, the customer and system are automatically identified to the vendor.

Abstract: An apparatus including an audio data processor connected to a data bus to receive encoded digital audio signals. The audio data processor decodes the encoded digital audio signals, and transmits the decoded digital audio signals in different output formats to an audio output jack. The jack includes a first contact portion that receives one of the digital audio signals in one SPDIF format from the audio data processor. The jack also includes a second contact portion that receives another digital audio signal in another SPDIF format from the audio data processor. The jack receives a plug that includes at least two portions. A first portion of the plug receives one of the digital audio signals from the audio data processor, and a second portion of the plug receives the another of the digital audio signal from the audio data processor. The jack transmits one of the digital audio signals to the first portion of the plug, and the other of the digital audio signals to the second portion of the plug.

Abstract: The present invention employs two unique identification files associated with the same dual-interface display monitor. Each identification file identifies one of the display monitor's two interfaces, so that each identification file identifies the display monitor as a separate display monitor, with a unique product code and its associated characteristics, to the computer system. When an initiating event occurs, such as a power on self test, hot plug-in, or reboot, the monitor responds to a request for its identification file with the digital identification file if the monitor is connected to the digital video connector and with the analog identification file if the monitor is connected to the analog video connector. If both connectors are connected, the monitor with send the digital identification file as a default. In the preferred embodiment, the identification files are EDID™ files.

Abstract: A system, method, and program product for disabling operation of a computer system upon expiration of an authorized period of time, and to re-enable operation of the computer system when an extension of time is authorized by the provider of the system. Security features including protected memory for a security timer that keeps track of the amount of time the computer system has been utilized, and encrypted messages for authorizing extensions of time are employed. At one or more predetermined times before the security timer expires, an expiration notice is published to remind the user to renew before the computer system is disabled. After the security timer expires and the computer system is disabled, the computer system may be re-enabled by entering an update to the security timer. Providers of computer systems may thereby prohibit use of the computer systems once the authorized amount of time has expired, and thus encourage payment of lease fees or other agreed performance.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in the manufacture of a computer system comprises a step table and a component table. The step table contains substantially all software installation and/or testing steps for all components of all computer systems being manufactured at a given site. The component table contains substantially all components that are included within all computer systems being manufactured at the site. The apparatus also includes a step dependency table and a step parameter table. The step dependency table identifies steps in the step table which are incompatible with the presence in the computer system of a component other than that corresponding to the step. The step parameter table identifies steps in the step table which require a parameter.

Abstract: A method for developing testing configurations and a computer system operable to implement the same. The method includes the steps of identifying factors to be tested and levels for each factor; selecting a Hadamard matrix of an appropriate size such that for any integer 1, 2 . . . n, the Hadamard matrix has a size 2n and at least (2n−1) columns, and maintains orthogonality of at least strength n when columns are selected sequentially; and creating a configuration matrix from the selected Hadamard matrix. The configuration matrix is created by first creating an integer matrix from the Hadamard matrix by combining columns of the Hadamard matrix where necessary, and replacing unassigned variables in the integer matrix in a manner that improves coverages. In one embodiment, a frequency matrix and a proportionality matrix are used to improve coverage when replacing unassigned variables.

Abstract: A method and system for automated support in a computer system. The computer system has a service button, and pressing of the service button causes a bit to be set in a register in the chip set. Setting of the bit generates an interrupt signal that is received and processed in a manner dependent on whether the computer system is in a booting state or a non-booting state. If the computer system is in a booting state, the bit is checked at a predetermined point in the booting sequence, and if set, a service application is initiated at that time. If the computer is not in a booting state, a second interrupt is generated, causing the service application to be initiated. A timer is initiated substantially with pressing of the service button, and if the service application reaches a predetermined point before the timer reaches a predetermined value, it will clear the timer. If not, the system will follow a predetermined reboot protocol.

Abstract: A computer system manufacturing process is disclosed in which a customer may order a computer system having one of several defined or base configurations of hardware and software components. After specifying the base configuration of hardware and software components, the user may identify custom hardware or software components to be added to the system. During the manufacturing process, the computer system accesses a network for retrieving a data record of the customer order and downloading the software of the computer system. The software to be downloaded will include the software of the base configuration and any custom software. Following the installation of the custom hardware and software components, the computer system will be tested to evaluate the function of the system components and the integration of the custom components and the components of the base configuration.

Abstract: A method and system for choosing the control processor for booting a multiprocessor system (10) in accordance with a memory (42). A computer system (10) includes a plurality of computer processors (12). The processors (12) use a memory bus (18) to communicate with the main memory (20). A second bus (30) connects the processors (12) to an interupt controller (34). The second bus (30) includes multiple bus request lines (14). An initialization control circuit (32) also communicates with the second bus (30). Memory (42) in the initialization control circuit (32) holds data identifying at least one of the processors (12) and when power is first provided to the system, the initialization control circuit (32) operates to assert signals on the bus request lines (14) such that the identified processor initializes the computer system.

Abstract: A system includes a computing device for storing criteria under which a customer is authorized to purchase a physical item. The computing device receives a request from the customer. In response to the request satisfying the stored criteria, the computing device outputs a signal for purchasing the physical item. The stored criteria may include a monetary budget for purchasing the physical item. The computing device is for modifying the stored criteria to reduce the monetary budget in response to the signal.

Abstract: A computer system and a method for allocating power to hot-plugged adapter cards placed in a card slot so as to delay, the power allocation until a user is clear of the adapter card. The computer system conventionally includes a processor, a card slot in data communication with the processor, a memory in data communication with the processor, and a power supply in electrical communication with the processor. The memory stores computer-readable data that includes code to be operated on by the processor to allocate power to the card slot upon both a detection of a change of state of the card slot and the occurrence of a predefined system event. The predefined system event is typically a system interrupt that is generated in response to an activation of a switch in electrical communication with the processor.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a computer system for measuring and monitoring local client support activity associated with servicing and supporting a computer by a client. The system includes a local client support activity file in the local computer, the local client support activity file records local client support activity. The local client support activity file is further operable to be uploaded when the client contacts a support center using the local computer.

Abstract: A basic input output system (BIOS) or equivalently functional circuitry can determine when an invalid shutdown event occurred (e.g., power loss) and subsequently, whether a false remote system wake event is received by the computer system and allow processing to bypass wakeup processing to avoid false wakeup commands received from components of the computer system such as LAN cards and modems. A computer system employing false wakeup command functionality is further claimed along with medium storing means for preventing wakeup processing when a false wakeup command is received.

Abstract: A computer system for measuring and monitoring local client support activity associated with servicing and supporting a computer by a client is disclosed. The system includes a local client support activity file in the local computer. The local client support activity file preferably records local client support activity. The local client support activity file is further operable to be uploaded when the client contacts a networked support center using the local computer. The system may also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of local support utilities and support center utilities.

Abstract: A system for restricting access to environmental circuits of a computer system. In one embodiment, the environmental circuits are accessible via a serial computer bus that conforms to a system management (SM) specification. I/O accesses to I/O registers assigned to a bus controller of the bus are trapped, wherein an interrupt such as a system management interrupt (SMI) is generated to invoke an interrupt handler that determines whether the I/O access corresponds to a restricted circuit access. If the I/O access corresponds to a restricted circuit access, then the interrupt handler prevents the circuit access from occurring. In one embodiment, I/O accesses to the I/O control register assigned to the bus controller are trapped. The interrupt handler determines whether a circuit access is restricted by reading the contents of the I/O address register and I/O command register assigned to the bus controller.