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.

Abstract: A method and system for integrated support for solving problems with personal computer systems comprises monitoring operating system functionality to determine if a computer system failure exists, to identify the computer system failure and to provide a solution of the computer system failure. A robust user interface, including a simple-to-use user button interface, supports single touch user input to indicate a computer system problem or question. Watchdog timers compare the time of hardware and operating system functionality, such as boot sequence operation, against predetermined time periods to determine whether or not a computer failure exists. A computer system failure is determined if a watchdog timer expires upon completion of a predetermined time period without being cleared. A hardware problem is identified on initial boot if the watchdog timer is not cleared by an operating system service routine.

Abstract: A system and method for converting alternating current into direct current are disclosed. The system and method allow an electronic device to employ an AC adapter while limiting the sacrificing of valuable component space and minimizing the risk of component harm resulting from the AC adapter's operation. A system incorporating teachings of the present disclosure may include an electronic device containing at least one electronic component designed to operate on direct current. The system may also include a stand coupled to the electronic device and supporting the electronic device in a viewable orientation. Within the stand may be located an alternating current adapter that is conductively coupled to the at least one electronic component.

Abstract: A method which includes selecting a boot device priority sequence, and configuring—in response to the boot device priority sequence—an I/O controller such that a MASTER or SLAVE designation of at least one IDE device conforms to the boot device priority sequence. A computer system which includes at least one printed circuit board operably connecting at least one processor, at least one memory, at least one I/O controller, and at least one IDE controller; at least one IDE bus operably connecting at least two IDE device connectors with the at least one IDE controller; and at least one cable select signal pin of each of the at least two IDE device connectors operably coupled to the at least one I/O controller.

Abstract: A system and method of manufacturing of computing devices. The system and method advantageously provide a work cell and process for physically consolidating the transformation process of a computer system (motherboard prep, chassis prep, assembly, EMR, burn, test and boxing) during manufacturing of the same in one work area. The new consolidating manufacturing assembly work cell provides a streamlined process, automation, furniture, fixtures and intelligent controls which physically consolidate the steps of the transformation process. The work cell includes a new combination of equipment for: (1) Material Handling, (2) performing the assembly steps, (3) detecting and repairing electrical and mechanical problems, and (4) performing burn and test. Further, the integration of the transformation process into one consolidated work cell for the manufacture of computer systems enables a new and more versatile manufacturing process.

Abstract: A computer system and method modifies operating system files via a self-deleting background process that downloads to a user's desktop and bypasses operating system securities. The background process modifies operating system files including configuration files in a registry via a downloadable desktop component. A method for a computer system having a registry includes installing a background process, bypassing computer operating system securities for the registry via the background process, modifying the registry via the background process, and removing the background process. The method further includes providing a desktop component related to an executable file that executes when the user selects the desktop component. Following the execution of the executable file, the method includes modifying configuration files including registry keys and automatically removing the executable file, the desktop component and files associated with the executable file.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing a BIOS-level floppy boot-sector virus prevention system. A floppy boot protection system installed on a computer system queries a user to indicate whether or not the computer system is to be booted from a floppy disk inserted in a floppy disk drive of the computer system prior to booting from the floppy disk. If the user responds in the affirmative, the computer system is booted from the floppy disk and operation proceeds as usual. If the user responds in the negative, the floppy disk boot is skipped, the user is advised of this fact, and the computer system attempts to boot from the next device listed in its boot table. In one aspect, during setup of the computer system, the user is able to enable or disable the floppy boot protection system as desired. If the user fails to respond to the query within a predetermined amount of time, the boot protection system defaults to skipping the floppy disk boot and proceeding as described above.

Abstract: A method and system for utilizing a single motherboard connector to allow connecting to one of two storage devices having different interfaces. The motherboard of a computer system includes, either as a single circuit or as a multi-function ship, an IDE controller that is operable to interface with a storage device that uses the IDE interface. The motherboard also includes a SCSI controller that is operable to interface with a storage device that uses the SCSI interface. Both controllers are coupled to a connector on the motherboard. The connector is configured to engage a SCSI interface device. The connector is coupled to one end (63) of a cable. The cable includes a second connection point (70) that is configured to engage an IDE interface device.

Abstract: A build-to-order manufacturing method for producing a custom configured computer system includes obtaining a customer order. Hardware for the custom configured computer system is assembled in accordance with the customer order. The assembled hardware is then tested using software tools and utilities. Next, software is downloaded to the computer system in accordance with the customer order, the software including an operating system (OS). Lastly, a fully integrated system test is performed, the fully integrated system test including the execution of an OS setup for fully integrating the hardware and software of the custom configured computer system and testing of the fully integrated hardware and software from the OS' perspective prior to shipment to a customer.

Abstract: A method and system for providing diagnostic services for a computer system is provided. The diagnostic application presents to the user of the computer system a graphical representation of a computer system (202). The user is able to click on graphical components of the graphical representation. The diagnostic application performs diagnostic services on the particular component clicked on by the user. The diagnostic application may determine if the most recent version of the appropriate software driver is installed in the computer system. The diagnostic application may perform diagnostic tests on the clicked component. The diagnostic application may also permit the user to access online diagnostic services to permit the user to access the most recent version of the applicable software driver, communicate with a diagnostic support specialist, or receive additional diagnostic tools from a location remote from the computer system.

Abstract: In a method for reduction of data noise in installation packages for a computer system, a first change list is established based upon a set of differences resulting from installation of a configuration change or a vendor product on a first computer system. A second change list is established based upon a set of differences resulting from installation of the configuration change or the vendor product on a second computer system. The first change list is compared with the second change list to produce a resultant change list including an intersecting set of changes. The intersecting set includes common changes between installations on the first computer system and the second computer system, accordingly filtering out of randomly generated installation noise. A re-engineered installation package is created using the intersecting set of changes.

Abstract: A system for reducing the startup current demand of a computer system by providing clock signals at normal operating frequencies to a plurality of computer components in a staggered progression. The computer system includes a clock buffer having a plurality of outputs each for providing a clock signal to at least one computer component. During the startup of the computer system, the clock buffer provides at each output a clock signal at a normal operating frequency to each component in a staggered progression with the other outputs. Consequently, only one component (or component group) becomes operational at a time during the startup of the computer system. In one example, each output of the clock buffer is coupled to a memory module that includes multiple SDRAM chips.

Abstract: A computer system having capability for restoration of a hard disk drive includes at least one processor and at least one hard disk drive. A software image is stored on the at least one hard disk drive, the software image including a factory downloaded image which is subject to corruption. A protected software restoration image not prone to a typical corruption is stored on the at least one hard disk drive and available for use by the at least one processor in executing the restoration of the software image on the at by least one hard disk drive to a like new factory downloaded image condition.

Abstract: A storage device configuration manager implemented in software for a computer system including a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and at least one storage device coupled to the processor, can advantageously allow a user having relatively limited knowledge to configure storage devices for use with specific applications. The storage device configuration manager includes a user interface allowing for selecting, editing, deleting, and/or activating storage polices. The storage policies include information useful for configuring the storage device to operate efficiently with a particular application, or within a particular user environment.

Abstract: A system of manufacturing of computing devices. The system and method advantageously provide a work cell and process for physically consolidating the transformation process of a computer system (motherboard prep, chassis prep, assembly, EMR, burn, test and boxing) during manufacturing of the same in one work area. The new consolidating manufacturing assembly work cell provides a streamlined process, automation, furniture, fixtures and intelligent controls which physically consolidate the steps of the transformation process. The work cell includes a new combination of equipment for: (1) Material Handling, (2) performing the assembly steps, (3) detecting and repairing electrical and mechanical problems, and (4) performing burn and test. Further, the integration of the transformation process into one consolidated work cell for the manufacture of computer systems enables a new and more versatile manufacturing process.

Abstract: A computer system and method allows customization of a desktop of a user in a multiple user environment, such as a windows type operating system. Configuration files trigger a program to execute upon the invocation of the operating system by the user and install or delete elements. The program has a list associated with the program wherein if the list contains at least one element, the program checks whether the at least one element in the list has been executed on a desktop of a user; and if the elment has not been executed for the user, the program executes the at least one element. The at least one element may include custom desktop components. Configuration files may include a registry.

Abstract: A serial storage architecture (SSA) storage subsystem which includes an SSA initiator and a series of SSA targets which include disk drives housed in a storage pod and an intelligent backplane of the storage pod which houses the other SSA targets. The intelligent backplane includes a controller, a series of status registers, each indicating status of an operating parameter for the SSA target drives, and a series of control registers, each configured to transmit a respective command to selected ones of said SSA target drives. The controller polls each of the status registers and, based on the contents thereof, determines whether an event relating to the operating parameter has occurred. If so, the controller reports the event to the SSA initiator. The SSA initiator may also control the target drives using the control registers.

Abstract: A computer touchpad includes a first portion usable for button functions to select items on a computer display panel. A second portion of the touchpad is usable for cursor movement and placement functions. An overlay member is detachably mounted on the touchpad. The overlay member includes a first part and a second part. The first part of the overlay member includes several defined sections and the second part of the overlay member includes a single defined section. The first part of the overlay member mounts on the first portion of the touchpad and the second part of the overlay member mounts on the second portion of the touchpad.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for dynamically connecting a system under test (“SUT”) to and disconnecting an SUT from a private VLAN in a computer manufacturing environment is 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 portable computer housing including an enclosure with a support wall and a strike zone including a first protrusion in the support wall. A support member is attached to the enclosure. The support member includes a base wall positioned in close proximity to the support wall of the enclosure. A second protrusion is formed in the base wall of the support member. The second protrusion is offset from the base wall by a first distance with at least a portion of the second protrusion being received within the first protrusion. A recess in the second protrusion is offset from the base wall by a second distance. The second distance is less than the first distance. The potential for impact-related failure of components in the portable computer is greatly reduced. Also, the configuration of the strike zone reduces the magnitude of the shock from an impact and eliminates a portion of the high frequency content that is known to damage components such as the hard drive.