Abstract: A locking mechanism adapted for use with a lift arm assembly. The lift arm assembly is connected to and operatively associated with a lift actuator for movement between raised and lowered positions. The lift actuator having a tubular body and an extendable rod. The locking mechanism includes a lockbar having a proximal end and a distal end opposite to the proximal end. The proximal end is configured to be pivotally connected to the lift arm assembly and movable between an inoperative position and an operative position to selectively prevent retraction of the rod within the tubular body of the lift actuator. The locking mechanism further includes a release lever pivotally connected at the distal end of the lockbar and is adapted to move between a rest position and a working position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide for automatically resolving computer system boot-up problems and for ensuring the reliability of boot-up. According to embodiments, a test of a condition of a computer system may be performed prior to attempting to load an operating system, to ensure the reliability of the system. In other embodiments, a boot-up may be attempted from a plurality of different operating system images, in the event a boot-up from a given operating system image fails.

Abstract: A method for booting a computer. The method includes initiating a timer for a load and boot process. The load and boot process is monitored. Monitoring includes determined whether or not the load and boot process is completed successfully. Upon substantial completion of the load and boot process, the time is deactivated. The computer may be reset or sent into a system management mode of operation if the timer expires prior to completion of the load and boot process.

Abstract: A BIOS having a set of effectors to initialize harware within the system. The BIOS having a set of macros, each macro of the set of macros having a reference to an effector of the set of effectors, each macro of the set of macros having a set of arguments.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a method. The method includes receiving expected values of a configuration. The method also includes comparing the expected values with values of a configuration database. Furthermore, the method includes reporting results of the comparing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide for automatically resolving computer system boot-up problems and for ensuring the reliability of boot-up. According to embodiments, a test of a condition of a computer system may be performed prior to attempting to load an operating system, to ensure the reliability of the system. In other embodiments, a boot-up may be attempted from a plurality of different operating system images, in the event a boot-up from a given operating system image fails.

Abstract: Numerous embodiments of a method and apparatus for reliably booting a computing system are disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a method. The method includes receiving expected values of a configuration. The method also includes comparing the expected values with values of a configuration database. Furthermore, the method includes reporting results of the comparing.