Abstract: A method for a bounds test includes receiving a base value, a size value, and a test value; subtracting the base value from the test value to generate a result value in a signed format; comparing the result value and the size value, and passing the bounds test when the size value exceeds the result value interpreted as an unsigned value. A computer readable medium stores instructions for a bounds test, the instructions for causing a computer to perform: receiving a base value, a size value, and a test value; subtracting the base value from the test value to generate a result value in a signed format; comparing the result value and the size value; and passing the bounds test when the size value exceeds the result value interpreted as an unsigned value. A bounds test system includes a processor, wherein the processor supports two's-compliment notation; and a memory, operatively connected to the processor.

Abstract: A method implemented in a computer system for storing non-volatile configuration information (NVCI), wherein NVCI is stored in one or more active segments of a segmented flash memory. The NVCI consists of a series of key-value pairs. When the computer system is started, the key-value pairs are read from the active segment, beginning with the least recently stored and ending with the most recently stored. The key-value pairs are inserted into a hash table, with later-read key-value pairs replacing earlier-read key-value pairs of the same key. Write accesses to the NVCI are made to both the hash table and the active segment of flash memory. When an active segment of the flash memory is filled to a threshold capacity, current key-value pairs stored in the hash table are written to a new flash memory segment, which then becomes the active segment.