Abstract: Embodiments include methods, apparatus, and systems using a system read only memory (ROM) with an embedded disk image. One method of software execution includes embedding a disk image in a system read only memory (ROM) of a computer system; exporting the disk image through a universal serial bus (USB) interface after an operating system (OS) of the computer system loads; and executing software in the disk image in the computer system.

Abstract: In accordance with at least some embodiments, a system includes an aggregator backplane coupled to a plurality of fans and power supplies and configured to consolidate control and monitoring for the plurality of fans and power supplies. The system also includes a plurality of compute nodes coupled to the aggregator backplane, wherein each compute node selectively communicates with the aggregator backplane via a corresponding interposer board. Each interposer board is configured to translate information passed between its corresponding compute node and the aggregator backplane.

Abstract: In accordance with at least some embodiments, a system (100) includes an aggregator backplane (124) coupled to a plurality of fans (120A-120N) and power supplies (122A-122N) and configured to consolidate control and monitoring for the plurality of fans (120A-120N) and power supplies (122A-122N). The system (100) also includes a plurality of compute nodes (102A-102N) coupled to the aggregator backplane (124), wherein each compute node (102A-102N) selectively communicates with the aggregator backplane (124) via a corresponding interposer board (130A-130N). Each interposer board (130A-130N) is configured to translate information passed between its corresponding compute node (102A-102N) and the aggregator backplane (124).

Abstract: A method and other embodiments associated with an interface controller (310) are described. One example method (100) includes monitoring an interface device presence signal for an interface port connector (330) associated with an interface controller (310). The example method (100) also includes controlling (120) the interface controller (310) to be selectively hidden from an operating system (360) in response to the interface device presence signal being negative. The example method (100) further includes controlling (130) the interface controller (310) to be selectively disclosed to the operating system (360) in response to the interface device presence signal being positive.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling airflow in a computer system enclosure are described herein. A computer system includes an enclosure and an airflow controller. The enclosure is configured to contain a plurality of compute nodes. The airflow controller configured to control a flow of air provided to each of the plurality of compute nodes. The airflow controller is configured to receive unsolicited requests for airflow from each of the plurality of compute nodes. The airflow controller is further configured to control airflow provided to a given compute node based on the unsolicited airflow requests received from a subset of the compute nodes, including the given node. The subset of the compute nodes is assigned to a same airflow zone by the airflow controller.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods, apparatus, and systems for reserving memory space for Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) devices. One embodiment includes a method that determines peripheral devices that are connected to a host computer through a PCI switch or PCI bridge and then presents virtual devices as being connected to the PCI switch or PCI bridge. Bus numbers and memory are reserved for the virtual devices and assigned to PCI devices that are hot plugged to the host computer.

Abstract: A computer system provides for changing the power states of data-handling devices in response to a detection of a change in the redundancy associated with energy-transfer devices.

Abstract: The invention is a method and related structure for providing operating system drivers during installation of the operating system, where those operating system drivers are provided by way of a virtual disk drive. Basic input/output system (BIOS) routines are adapted to support showing these operating system drivers as residing on a virtual disk drive within the system. The operating system drivers are stored in the unreserved ROM space of the computer. Further, multiple floppy images are stored in the ROM, and the BIOS is adapted to show only the floppy image appropriate for the operating system to be installed. The virtual drive contents may be those operating system drivers stored in the unreserved ROM, but also may be physically stored in RAM.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods, apparatus, and systems using a system read only memory (ROM) with an embedded disk image. One method of software execution includes embedding a disk image in a system read only memory (ROM) of a computer system; exporting the disk image through a universal serial bus (USB) interface after an operating system (OS) of the computer system loads; and executing software in the disk image in the computer system.

Abstract: In at least some embodiments, a method comprises receiving a first command from a source external to a computer to provide a copy of a read only memory (ROM) image from the computer to the external source. The method also comprises receiving a second command from the source external to the computer to replace the computer's ROM image and, without re-booting the computer, replacing the computer's ROM image with a ROM image received from the external source.

Abstract: A distributed managed system including targets, clients, and a management processor. Each client is adapted to originate commands with at least some commands having a desired destination of one or more targets. The management processor is adapted to receive commands originated by the clients and generate a context value for each received command having a desired destination. The context value indicates a particular client that originated the command. The management processor adds the context value to each corresponding command to create commands with context and dispatches commands with context to the desired destination. At least one target is adapted to receive the commands with context, interpret the context value to identify the particular client that originated the command, and process the commands with context.

Abstract: Systems, methodologies, media, and other embodiments associated with managing memory health are described. One exemplary system embodiment includes logic for detecting and correcting single bit memory errors. The example system may also include logic for selectively making unavailable a memory location associated with single bit memory errors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing processor availability uses a disabling microcode patch to prevent unauthorized processor(s) usage. By loading the disabling microcode to one or more processors that are not authorized to be in operation (e.g., not currently licensed, etc.) the OS can not circumvent the disablement.

Abstract: In accordance with at least some embodiments of the invention, a system comprises a processor, a non-volatile memory coupled to the processor and containing one or more environment variables that preserve the configuration of the computer system, and a system read-only memory (ROM) coupled to the processor. The system ROM contains boot firmware and a table that identifies the location of the one or more environment variables in the non-volatile memory.

Abstract: During a power-on sequence of a computer system, it is detected whether the computer system is connected over a first type of connection to a terminal. In response to detecting that the computer system is connected over the first type of connection to the terminal, settings of the computer system are configured to be compatible with a first type of operating system.

Abstract: A debugger program, embedded in a ROM of a computer, operates on instructions of a target process executed by the computer.