Abstract: Disclosed is a personal computer system which includes a central processing unit (CPU) coupled to a direct access storage device (DASD), a random access memory (RAM), and a LAN controller. A flash memory module is coupled to the CPU and an input/output (IO) bus and includes a basic input output system (BIOS) stored therein. The BIOS is effective for responding to the energization of the computer system by initiating a power on self test (POST). The BIOS is further operative on completion of the POST for transferring a portion of BIOS from the module to the RAM and for transferring control of the of the computer system to the BIOS portion. The portion of BIOS is operative to load a protected mode operating system (OS) into RAM and transfer control to the OS. The system further includes a logic circuit coupled to the flash memory module and the IO bus.

Abstract: A data processing system and method are described for permitting a server computer system to remotely control modifications of initialization settings included within a client computer system. The client computer system is coupled to a server computer system to form a network. During a set-up process executing within the client computer system, the client computer system receives an attempted modification of one of a plurality of initialization settings utilized during booting. In response to the attempted modification, the server computer system determines whether the modification is prohibited. In response to the modification being prohibited, the server computer system prohibits the modification of the one of said plurality of initialization settings, wherein the client computer system is prohibited from booting utilizing the modified one of said plurality of initialization settings.

Abstract: A data processing system and method are described for permitting a server computer system to remotely disable an ability of a client computer system to access a network which couples the client computer system to the server computer system. The server computer system transmits an indication to the client computer system utilizing the network that the ability of the client computer system to access said network be at least temporarily disabled. In response to a receipt of the indication by the client computer system, the ability of the client computer system to access the network is at least temporarily disabled. The client computer system is unable to transmit information utilizing the network while the client computer system is temporarily disabled.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a networked computer system by detecting a change to a configuration of the computer system, using detection logic of the computer, and generating an alert associated with any change in the configuration in real time. The alert is transmitted to a remote server on the network. In an illustrative implementation, the detection logic can detect (i) a change in the number of storage devices present in the computer system, (ii) a change in the number of memory modules present in the computer system, and (iii) a change in the number of processors present in the computer system. The configuration information may be saved between boot operations of the computer using a battery-powered latch.

Abstract: A data processing system and method are described for controlling power supplied to the system. The system includes an internal power supply for receiving energy from an external source and supplying the energy to the system. The energy is full system power and is required for the system to be fully operable. The system is initially powered-off such that the energy is not initially supplied to the system. A power-on password is established. The internal power supply supplies the energy to the system only in response to a correct entry of the power-on password, wherein the system is inoperable prior to the correct entry of the power-on password.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a computer system, by detecting a power interruption to the computer system, using power down sense logic, and generating an alert associated with the power interruption. When the computer system is networked, the alert is transmitted to a remote server. The power down sense logic sends a message to an auxiliary processor (which may be an application-specific integrated circuit, or ASIC), and the auxiliary processor creates a network transmission packet indicating that the computer system is losing power. The auxiliary processor may allow selection of a transmission mode such as uni-cast transmission, multi-cast transmission, or broadcast transmission.

Abstract: A data processing system and method are disclosed for disabling a portable computer in response to the portable computer being moved outside of an authorized area of use. An authorized, geographical area of use is established. The authorized, geographical area is any geographical area capable of being defined. The geographical area is not limited to areas within an enclosure, and is not bounded by a transmitter's broadcast range. A determination is made regarding whether the portable computer is located outside of the authorized area. If the portable computer is moved outside of the authorized area, the portable computer is disabled. The portable computer is inoperable when disabled.