Abstract: A system and method for the delivery, retrieval and display of content to a user during the initial boot sequence of a computer or electronic device and/or after the completion of the initial boot sequence but prior to the loading of an operating system is disclosed. The illustrative embodiment of the present invention also includes a non-intrusive method of updating the content is provided that minimizes the disruption to other processes running on the computer or electronic device. The method enables the content to be updated automatically following the loading of the operating system or in response to a user request, depending upon the implementation of the invention. Additional embodiments of the present invention vary the display of content according to user responses to queries posed during the boot sequence and enable the tailoring of content to an individual user based upon a user profile.

Abstract: A method for altering the start-up sequence of an operating system prior to loading the operating system is disclosed. The method allows changes to be made to the start-up sequence of processes and applications initiated by the operating system based upon the occurrence of a designated event during the BIOS boot sequence. In this manner, events occurring prior to operating system loading affect the operating system start-up sequence. Similarly, the illustrative embodiment of the present invention may, during the period of time the operating system is operating, write instructions which control the sequence of events taking place during the subsequent BIOS boot sequence.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing image stretching, including text image stretching, on a display panel. A video system for controlling the display panel includes a device (e.g., a video device driver) for indicating if the video system is capable of stretching the image. The video system also includes a second device (e.g., a video BIOS program) for activating the image stretching if it is indicated that the video system is capable of stretching the image. The video system may include a third device (e.g., a video chipset) for stretching an image presented for display on the display panel if image stretching is activated.

Abstract: A system and method for the delivery, retrieval and display of content to a user during the initial boot sequence of a computer or electronic device and/or after the completion of the initial boot sequence but prior to the loading of an operating system is disclosed. The illustrative embodiment of the present invention also includes a non-intrusive method of updating the content is provided that minimizes the disruption to other processes running on the computer or electronic device. The method enables the content to be updated automatically following the loading of the operating system or in response to a user request, depending upon the implementation of the invention. Additional embodiments of the present invention vary the display of content according to user responses to queries posed during the boot sequence and enable the tailoring of content to an individual user based upon a user profile.

Abstract: A method for altering the start-up sequence of an operating system prior to loading the operating system is disclosed. The method allows changes to be made to the start-up sequence of processes and applications initiated by the operating system based upon the occurrence of a designated event during the BIOS boot sequence. In this manner, events occurring prior to operating system loading affect the operating system start-up sequence. Similarly, the illustrative embodiment of the present invention may, during the period of time the operating system is operating, write instructions which control the sequence of events taking place during the subsequent BIOS boot sequence.