Abstract: Through a menu driven selection procedure, a user is given options for how a server should respond to an actuation of a power switch. In one option, the power switch is disabled to prevent accidental shut down of the power supply in response to power switch actuation. In another option, the shut down of the power supply follows soon after the expiration of a count down timer which is triggered by power switch actuation. A subsequent actuation of the power switch in this option aborts the count down. In yet another option, the shut down of the power supply follows soon after the completion of a graceful shut down of the server operating system which is triggered by power switch actuation. A subsequent actuation of the power switch in this option causes an immediate shut down of the power supply.

Abstract: A computer system or computer server system having redundant devices that are periodically checked in order to determine whether the redundant devices would be operational if the primary devices failed. The primary and redundant devices are in electrical communication with a controller circuit which, in turn, is responsive to a microprocessor and/or the computer's operating system. The primary and redundant devices can be hot-pluggable so that the computer system does not need to be powered down when and if the primary or redundant devices need to be replaced.

Abstract: A primary server/standby server network configuration according to the invention includes a primary server executing network operating system software and a standby server monitoring for the proper operation of the primary server, where both the primary server and the standby server are connected to a storage system. If the primary server fails, the standby server instructs the storage system to switch its hardware connections to the standby server, allowing the standby server to boot the operating system. This instruction is done via in-band signaling. Further, multiple primary servers can be backed up by a single standby server.

Abstract: A primary server/standby server network configuration according to the invention includes a primary server executing network operating system software and a standby server monitoring for the proper operation of the primary server, where both the primary server and the standby server are connected to a storage system. If the primary server fails, the standby server instructs the storage system to switch its hardware connections to the standby server, allowing the standby server to boot the operating system. This instruction is done via in-band signaling. Further, multiple primary servers can be backed up by a single standby server.

Abstract: A management system for a file server having a system board, an expansion board, a disk storage system and a server manager for collecting management information from the system board.

Abstract: A method of managing a plurality of networked manageable devices which include at least one file server having a system board, a drive array subsystem associated with the file server and a server manager installed in the file server for monitoring the system board from a manager console using a management information base or "MIB". First, second and third plurality of objects which describe the system board, the drive array subsystem and the server manager, respectively, are collected and assembled into a MIB. The assembled MIB is then used to manage the file server.