Abstract: Apparatus and method for performing a computer setup. A communications router and a nonvolatile memory are operatively situated between two computers. The memory stores a driver for the communications router and a software load to be installed on at least one of the computers. An autorun function loads a driver for the communications router from the nonvolatile memory to at least one of the computers. Setup software is then installed via the communications router. Other aspects of the invention relate to computer-readable media for use in connection with the foregoing.

Abstract: A disk drive contains at least one sector that is protected from erasure, such as an erasure that may occur during reformatting. The sector(s) is used to store information related to one or more tests that may be performed on the disk drive and/or on other devices of a computer system in which the disk drive is located. This information may be used to facilitate a subsequent evaluation of the disk drive and/or computer system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for logging errors in a storage device. As commands are executed by the storage device a list of previously executed commands is maintained. When an error is detected by the storage device, the previously executed commands and certain error condition codes are stored in an error log in a non-volatile memory of the storage device. The storage device is responsive to a command for reading back the values contained in the error log for diagnostic purposes.