Abstract: There is provided a method for operating a basic input/output system (BIOS) of a pay-as-you go computer system. In one example embodiment, the method includes periodically resetting a watchdog timer, wherein failure to reset the watchdog timer indicates a security violation. In another example embodiment, the method also includes comparing a first time count representing motherboard use time with a second time count representing hard drive use time to determine if a security violation has occurred. There is also provided a pay-as-you-go computer system having a BIOS configured to determine if a hard drive is password protected. In an example embodiment, the BIOS is configured to calculate a password to unlock the hard drive if the hard drive is password protected.

Abstract: There is provided a method for operating a basic input/output system (BIOS) of a pay-as-you go computer system. In one example embodiment, the method includes determining if a user password feature is activated on a hard drive and computing a password to unlock the hard drive if the password feature is activated. In another example embodiment, the method includes performing a checksum verification of boot information. In yet another example embodiment, the method includes storing portions of boot information in non-standard locations on the hard drive and combining the portions using operators.

Abstract: A method of scanning a portion of a document using an electronic device includes activating a data input to a picture element of the display to illuminate the portion of the document, in which the document is located proximate to the display. The method also includes deactivating the data input and measuring, by way of the data input, a signal from a photosensitive device, the signal being indicative of the light reflected from the illuminated portion of the document.

Abstract: There is provided a method for operating a basic input/output system (BIOS) of a pay-as-you go computer system. In one example embodiment, the method includes determining if a user password feature is activated on a hard drive and computing a password to unlock the hard drive if the password feature is activated. In another example embodiment, the method includes performing a checksum verification of boot information. In yet another example embodiment, the method includes storing portions of boot information in non-standard locations on the hard drive and combining the portions using operators.

Abstract: There is provided a method for operating a basic input/output system (BIOS) of a pay-as-you go computer system. In one example embodiment, the method includes periodically resetting a watchdog timer, wherein failure to reset the watchdog timer indicates a security violation. In another example embodiment, the method also includes comparing a first time count representing motherboard use time with a second time count representing hard drive use time to determine if a security violation has occurred. There is also provided a pay-as-you-go computer system having a BIOS configured to determine if a hard drive is password protected. In an example embodiment, the BIOS is configured to calculate a password to unlock the hard drive if the hard drive is password protected.

Abstract: A computer system includes a first display device to display an image and includes an application program to copy the image displayed on the first display device to a second display device. A selectable control, when selected, initiates that the application program copy the image displayed on the first display device to the second display device.

Abstract: A method of scanning a portion of a document using an electronic device includes activating a data input to a picture element of the display to illuminate the portion of the document, in which the document is located proximate to the display. The method also includes deactivating the data input and measuring, by way of the data input, a signal from a photosensitive device, the signal being indicative of the light reflected from the illuminated portion of the document.

Abstract: A computer system includes a first display device to display an image and includes an application program to copy the image displayed on the first display device to a second display device. A selectable control, when selected, initiates that the application program copy the image displayed on the first display device to the second display device.

Abstract: An image storage device includes a first memory system configured to read images from a first image storage medium. The storage device includes a second memory system configured to write the images to a second image storage medium. The device makes use of an application configured to detect at least one of the first image storage medium and the second image storage medium and to initiate the first memory system to read one or more images from the first image storage medium. The application also initiates the second memory system to write the one or more images to the second image storage medium if both the first image storage medium and the second image storage medium are detected.

Abstract: A video server for providing Video-On-Demand is disclosed. A plurality of data sources are coupled individually to a first and second bi-directional data/instruction switch. The first switch is additionally coupled to a data storage system and the second switch is coupled to a network interface. A real time controller is coupled to the data sources and the switches and can couple any part of the data storage system to any selected data source and any given network channel to any selected data source. A control system coupled to the real time controller and the second switch provides support services to the real time controller and acts as a gateway to third party services and products. The data storage system is largely comprised of disk drive arrays. Video data is striped across the individual arrays, each video data program that a user requests being striped across one array. Each array provides video data to many users through the data sources.

Abstract: A video server for providing Video-On-Demand is disclosed. A plurality of data sources are coupled individually to a first and second bi-directional data/instruction switch. The first switch is additionally coupled to a data storage system and the second switch is coupled to a network interface. A real time controller is coupled to the data sources and the switches and can couple any part of the data storage system to any selected data source and any given network channel to any selected data source. A control system coupled to the real time controller and the second switch provides support services to the real time controller and acts as a gateway to third party services and products. The data storage system is largely comprised of disk drive arrays. Video data is striped across the individual arrays, each video data program that a user requests being striped across one array. Each array provides video data to many users through the data sources.

Abstract: A computer bus structure is provided which permits replacement of removable modules during operation of a computer wherein means are provided to precharge signal output lines to within a predetermined range prior to the usage of the signal output lines to carry signals, and further, wherein means are provided to minimize arcing to pins designed to carry the power and signals of a connector. In a specific embodiment, pin length, i.e., separation between male and female components of the connector, are subdivided into long pin length and short pin length. Ground connections and power connections for each voltage level are assigned to the long pin lengths. Signal connections and a second power connection for each voltage level is assigned to the short pin lengths.