Abstract: An internet-implemented method of supports a component repair service. The service is rendered for a component of a computer that has an interface for communicating with a web site via the internet. While communicating via the internet, the computer operates under a first operating system that has a protection feature that precludes application-level programming from performing a function to test the component. The method comprises running a first program on the first operating system to cause a display prompt for input control to initiate a test of the component. The method comprises responding to the input control by: exiting from the first operating system and entering a second operating system; running a second program on the second operating system to perform an in situ test of the component to generate a test result; and responding to the test result to store a recorded test result.

Abstract: A computer system comprises a host computer having a memory array and a host microprocessor, and a disk drive having a drive microprocessor. The disk drive provides a secure boot load of the host computer by causing the host microprocessor to remain in an inactive state while a template for loading host computer memory is read by a drive microprocessor from a protected area of the disk and loaded into host memory via the host interface. The host computer may then be activated with a memory image source whose source is impervious to virus attack or inadvertent corruption. A method is disclosed for creating and updating the secure template. The host interface may be an I/O interface or a memory referenced interface.

Abstract: A disk-based storage system for storing a plurality of data segments responds to a direction-selection signal by autonomously providing the data segments in a selected sequence so as to be concatenated together to define a continuous data stream. The disk-based storage system comprises nonvolatile storage including rotating disk media having a plurality of addressable locations. Each of the data segments is stored in a respective one of the addressable locations. Each of the addressable locations has a leading end and a trailing end. A first one of the addressable locations has a trailing end on a first track, and a second one of the addressable locations has a leading end on a second track, the second track being spaced from the first track. The non-volatile storage provides for locally storing a doubly-linked list of pointers.

Abstract: A plurality of addressable storage devices (“ASD's”) store a replicated data set. A requestor multicasts a data transfer request to the ASD's. The ASD's receive the data transfer request and cooperatively designate one of the ASD's to process the data transfer request and prevent the other ASD's from processing the data transfer request. The designated ASD satisfies the data transfer request and then communicates to the requestor an acknowledgement when the processing is completed. The ASD's maintain coherency in the replicated data set.

Abstract: An integrated computer module having an EMI shielding plate which doubles as a mechanical retainer for a disk drive within the module and as an shield to insulate the disk drive's electronics from electromagnetic interference (EMI) emanating from a main PCBA located nearby. The module is adapted for removable insertion into a docking bay within a host assembly, and upon such insertion for connecting to a host connector and thereby controlling a display device.

Abstract: The invention is an integrated computer module (ICM) for connection to a host connector means in a host assembly that has a DC voltage supply and that is connected to or contains a display. The ICM uniquely includes an EMI enclosure, a fan, a computing subsystem, and a module connector. In more detail, the computing subsystem includes a microprocessor, a hard disk drive for storing an operating system, a main memory array, a video memory array for storing digital display descriptor data in a video memory array; and a video controller for converting the digital display descriptor data to a time-based display data stream suitable for driving the display.

Abstract: The invention is an integrated computer module having a cooling tunnel which efficiently cools a microprocessor or other heat generating component on a main PCBA inside of the module. The module includes its own cooling fan so that the module can safely and effectively operate with high power microprocessors which generate significant amounts of heat. A heat sink bonded to the microprocessor extends up into the cooling tunnel. A tapering section accelerates air leaving the cooling fan into the cooling tunnel such that the module may use a quieter, more cost effective cooling fan. The tapering section may be formed from a folded section of a ribbon cable which connects the main PCBA to the disk drive.

Abstract: A host assembly having a docking bay for receiving an integrated computer module is disclosed. The docking bay includes a cavity for receiving and grossly aligning the module, a host connector located at a back end of the cavity at a position where it is aligned with the module connector when the module is received in the cavity, and a projecting member located at an XY location at the back end of the cavity for helping to align the module connector with the host connector. The projecting member may also provide a locking function and may be located at an asymmetric XY location for ensuring that the cavity only receives an un-keyed module that is in the correct orientation.