Abstract: An adaptive card-sensitive bus slot system and method. The method and system include a substantially universal bus slot structure. In one embodiment, the substantially universal bus slot structure includes at least one Peripheral Component Interconnect adaptive key. In another embodiment, the substantially universal bus slot structure includes at least one Peripheral Component Interconnect adaptive key piston. In another embodiment, a data processing system includes the adaptive cardsensitive bus slot system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a customer with a quote number identifying a selected PC configuration, which quote number can be later provided by the customer either via telephone or web site to facilitate the process of ordering the selected configuration. When a customer completes the configuration of a PC with a sales representative over the telephone, the sales representative provides the customer with a unique quote number identifying the selected configuration, information about the customer, and any other information the possession of which is necessary or useful in subsequently ordering the selected configuration. Later, when the customer has decided to order the PC, he or she simply accesses the web site of the vendor, enters the quote number in the appropriate field, and clicks on a “place order” button or menu selection, thereby ordering the PC on-line.

Abstract: A system for generating data for driving a manufacturing process is described. A symbiotic relationship is established between two Windows NT® system services, including a single instance of a “Sequencer” service, which provides the command, control, and communication for all work in progress, and multiple instances of a “Quantum” service, which manages the execution of a unit of work on command from the Sequencer. All configuration information for the system is stored in a system registry as predefined structures. Registry key entries define the names of the installed Quantum services, as well as the configuration dynamic linked library (“DLL”) image to be loaded by and the sequence number for each Quantum. The Sequencer manages the start up of the installed Quantum services and synchronizes with the created message queues. The Sequencer manages all work in progress and maintains the state of each unit of work.

Abstract: A computer system having network controlled security administered in conjunction with a prescribed network server of a computer network includes at least one processor, at least one memory, and a device for communicating with the prescribed network server. Operating system software is provided for use in booting up an operating system. The computer system further includes basic input output system (BIOS) firmware, the BIOS having a security measure. The security measure is implemented by the processor prior to a booting up of the operating system and in conjunction with the prescribed network server. Booting up of the operating system by the processor is controlled in response to the security measure.

Abstract: A test device for a computer system includes a burn rack having a plurality of workcells. A simple network management protocol switch device is provided adjacent the burn rack. The switch device includes a plurality of ports. A plurality of cables are provided such that a respective cable interconnects a respective port of the switch device and a respective workcell. A monitor is provided adjacent the burn rack and is connected to a port of the switch device. At least one of the workcells has a computer mounted therein provided with a unique Mac Address and connected to the respective cable at the respective workcell. The monitor is connected to a burn rack database.

Abstract: Execution is initiated of operating system software by a computer system. After initiating execution of the operating system software, a partition is formed within a computer-readable medium. In response to the partition, information is formed that identifies a logical drive associated with the partition, irrespective of whether execution of the operating system software is reinitiated.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for partitioning a hard disk during installation of a network OS. In one embodiment, a computer system is booted from a CD-ROM containing a computer server setup (“CSS”) program. The CSS program prompts a user for certain disk preparation data, including the primary and utility partition sizes and volume label. The CSS program then writes a self-loading binary image (“SLBI”) to the first track of the first hard disk immediately following the master boot record (“MBR”). The SLBI includes a bootstrap loader, disk preparation code, and the disk preparation data. The sector address of the SLBI bootstrap loader is placed into a partition descriptor within the master partition table (“MPT”) of the MBR.

Abstract: A method to allow a computer system board to automatically identify the chassis in which the system board is installed. The method includes the steps of a) attaching at least one spring action grounding clip to the chassis, b) incorporating at least one conducting pad into the artwork of the printed wire assembly on the system board, c) connecting at least one conducting pad to a logic circuit on the system board, d) installing the system board in the chassis, and e) ensuring that at least one spring action grounding clip contacts at least one conducting pad.

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 method and computer for locally and remotely updating a BIOS using one update file that contains a local update program and a BIOS image. To locally update a client's BIOS, the system administrator can run the update file. To locally update program would then write the BIOS image to the client's computer memory thereby completing the local update. If, however, the system administrator wishes to remotely update the client's BIOS, the update file is run using an input parameter (such as a command line switch). This action causes the local update program to create a file containing the BIOS image with a header. Using this file, a remote update program writes the BIOS image to the client's computer memory.

Abstract: An adjustable clamp for testing PC cards includes a base member having a planar surface and raised guides spaced apart to define a plurality of slots. A clamp member includes a plurality of spaced apart ribs seated for lateral movement in the slots. A fastener, which is removable, extends through the base member and the clamp member. The fastener is adjustable for moving the ribs laterally in the slots and retaining the clamp member on the base member. In this manner, a plurality of PC cards are retained between the raised guides and the ribs and maintained in a straightened configuration for insertion into respective circuit board connectors during testing of the circuit board.

Abstract: A method and system for managing unique COA labels in a build-to-order computer manufacturing environment. In one embodiment, a bar code located on OS back-up media identifies unique COA information for the media. At an early stage of the manufacturing process, a line operator takes a traveler and scans in the order information. At the same time, the operator obtains the OS back-up media for the traveler and scans in the bar code. Once scanned, a COA label having imprinted thereon the COA information is printed and provided to the operator along with a service tag having imprinted thereon the track code for the computer. The service tag and COA label are then affixed to the computer chassis. The manufacturing control system matches the track code with the COA label information that is later downloaded to the hard drive at extended test (“ET”) of the computer.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for factory-installing directories with long filenames while maintaining proper references to the short filename equivalents thereof are described. During a development stage, a determination is made whether any files or directories with long filenames were created by an application installed on a development system for developing an installation package for the application. If so, the development system is queried for the short filenames associated with these long filenames. The development system then creates a factory-install package for the application in which all short filename references to these long filename files and directories are programmatically replaced with tokens that are unique to each long filename. The factory-install package is then uploaded to a factory server.

Abstract: A bus includes at least a pair of terminators interposed between a pair of connectors. A first one of the terminators is located within a predetermined distance from a first one of the connectors. A second one of the terminators is located within the predetermined distance from a second one of the connectors. The second terminator is selectively disabled in response to the second terminator being interposed between the first terminator and a third terminator of the bus.

Abstract: A hot insertion system for assigning system resources of a computer system to a hot inserted adapter circuit such as a device mounted on a PCI adapter card. The adapter circuit is hot inserted to the computer system via a connector such as a slot connector. Apertures of a system resource such as I/O address space, memory address space, and interrupt numbers, are reserved for each computer bus of the computer system. The devices located on the computer bus are assigned portions of each system resource aperture in a top down configuration. A system resource assignment routine finds the lowest assigned address of a system resource aperture to determine whether the aperture has enough assignable capacity for a hot inserted adapter circuit. If enough assignable capacity exists, then the system resource assignment routine assigns a portion of each system resource aperture located below lowest assigned address to the adapter circuit.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for ensuring that file updates scheduled in a Wininit.ini file are applied with regard to previously existing versions and multiple instances of such updates are described. In one aspect, a computer program is installed on a computer system and executed after all file update entries have been made to a Wininit.ini file, but before the computer system is rebooted. If duplicate entries exist in the Wininit.ini file for a single destination file, the computer program determines which entry contains the newest source file based first on the version of the source file, if any, and then on the date/time stamp for the source file. The Wininit.ini entries referring to older source files, as well as the files themselves, are then marked for deletion and/or deleted before the computer system is rebooted.

Abstract: A portable computer includes a base, a display panel, a cover for housing the display panel, and a cover pivotally connected to the base. The display panel includes a front surface having an active area and an inactive area surrounding the active area. The cover includes a latch hook extending over a portion of the inactive area of the display panel. The latch hook secures the cover to the base when the cover in a closed position.

Abstract: A communications system for multiple computer system management circuits to enable remote management of the computer systems via a remote management system. The management circuits are operably coupled to a remote connector circuit via a communications bus (e.g. a bus conforming to the RS-485 communications standard). The remote connector circuit can be implemented on a daughter card of one of the computer systems. The remote connector circuit includes modem circuitry for providing operating information on operating conditions of the computer systems to a remote management system and for receiving operating commands to be provided to the management circuits wherein the computer systems initiate operations (e.g. rebooting and power cycle) in response to receiving the commands. The RS-485 bus is configured in a daisy chain configuration to allow for a simplified addition of new computer systems to the bus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus enables a computer system to recover from power failures, and includes a computer system having a UPS connected to a computer, the computer having an RTC, a driver, and a program stored in the computer's memory. The program has instructions for performing the following steps: a) when a source of AC power fails, the UPS supplying AC power to the computer; b) the UPS notifying the computer to shut down; and c) just before the computer shuts down, the driver setting the RTC for a wake-up time at a prescribed time in the future.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically selecting one of two or more available power supply voltages for use as a main power supply of a PCI adapter is described. In one embodiment, a power supply selector is designed such that the presence of a positive voltage at a Vaux input thereof prevents power at a Vcc input thereof from driving a main power supply input to a PCI adapter. Conversely, the absence of a positive voltage at the Vaux results in the main power supply input to the PCI adapter being derived from the Vcc input. In an alternative embodiment, jumpers are provided for enabling a user to select which power supply will be used as the “default” power supply for the adapter.