Abstract: A method of directing a computer network for booting using a prebooting execution environment (PXE) embedded OS based computer is provided in which the embedded OS based computer listens for PXE requests from PXE enabled target servers of the network and in response provides a netboot program and address information of a boot server. An embodiment of an embedded OS based computer is provided that has a network interface controller, a microcontroller, a display, an input device, and a processor. An embodiment of a system for booting a computer network using the embedded OS based computer is provided. The system has a target network of PXE enabled servers coupled to the embedded OS based computer and a boot server coupled to the embedded OS based computer and to the network. The system and the method are illustrated using Windows CE operating system as an example an embedded OS.

Abstract: A computer system having central processing unit, a ROM, and an NVRAM. A table is stored in the ROM. The information relates to configuration data for boards installed in the computer. Each entry in the ROM table includes a board identifier and corresponding text describing the board and/or board configuration data. An extension table is stored in the NVRAM which provides storage capacity for the same type of information in the ROM-based table. The NVRAM-based extension table also includes storage for board identifiers and corresponding configuration information. A utility checks the ROM-based board table to determine whether a matching entry is found for each board in the system. If a match is found, the corresponding configuration information is used to configure the system for the board. If no match is found, the program checks the extension table for a matching entry and uses a default setting.

Abstract: A method of directing a computer network for booting using a prebooting execution environment (PXE) embedded OS based computer is provided in which the embedded OS based computer listens for PXE requests from PXE enabled target servers of the network and in response provides a netboot program and address information of a boot server. An embodiment of an embedded OS based computer is provided that has a network interface controller, a microcontroller, a display, an input device, and a processor. An embodiment of a system for booting a computer network using the embedded OS based computer is provided. The system has a target network of PXE enabled servers coupled to the embedded OS based computer and a boot server coupled to the embedded OS based computer and to the network. The system and the method are illustrated using Windows CE operating system as an example an embedded OS.

Abstract: A method of directing a computer network for booting using a prebooting execution environment (PXE) appliance is provided in which the appliance listens for PXE requests from PXE enabled target servers of the network and in response provides a netboot program and address information of a boot server. An embodiment of a PXE appliance is provided that has a network interface controller, a microcontroller, and a processor. An embodiment of a system for booting a computer network using the PXE appliance is provided. The system has a target network of PXE enabled servers coupled to the PXE appliance and a boot server coupled to the PXE appliance and to the network.