Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed at minimizing power consumption of a computer while permitting the execution of meaningful tasks by programs installed on the computer. In accordance with one embodiment, a method that implements power conserving measures based on the amount of capacity that is available from a power source is provided. More specifically, the method includes identifying the current amount of power that is available from a power source. Then a determination is made regarding whether the current amount of power available is associated with a reduced performance state. If the current amount of power is associated with a reduced performance state, the method changes the configuration of the power consuming devices to place the computer in the reduced performance state.

Abstract: A computing system that incorporates an auxiliary processor to the main system processor. The auxiliary system utilizes a separate application runtime for processes and is capable of operating even when the primary system is in an off state. Methods for load-balancing are provided based on computing needs respective to power consumption requirements. Processes that are not computationally intensive are processed by a low-power, auxiliary processor. In addition, peripheral components accessible to the overall computing system are shared.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the spin rate of an optical device. A device driver provides notification that media has been inserted into the optical device. A control service determines the format of information on the media. The spin rate of the optical device is locked or unlocked based on the format.

Abstract: A storage power optimized server system includes a high performance spinning hard drive for storing a first set of data and a power controlled hard drive for storing a second set of data. The high performance spinning hard drive is continuously driven while the power controlled hard drive may have a lower power consumption, slower access time or higher capacity than the high performance spinning hard drive. The first and second set of data may be based on one or more data conditions. The first set of data may include data that has been requested at a rate above a predetermined threshold, or after a predetermined file age date, or after a predetermined last access date. The second set of data may include data that has been requested at a rate below the predetermined request rate threshold, or before a predetermined file age, or before a predetermined last access date.

Abstract: A configurable switch that enables multiple CPUs to be connected to multiple I/O devices through a single switch. The switches can be cascaded to enable more CPUs and/or more I/O devices in the tree. The configuration is transparent to the enumeration of the bus and endpoint devices. A simple management input such as SMBus or hardware strapping is used to set up the assignation of devices to CPUs. Utilization of a manager and the PCI Express hot plug controller registers enable hot-plug reconfiguration of the device tree as devices a switched between CPUs via PCI buses within the switch.

Abstract: A computing system that incorporates an auxiliary processor to the main system processor. The auxiliary system utilizes a separate application runtime for processes and is capable of operating even when the primary system is in an off state. Methods for load-balancing are provided based on computing needs respective to power consumption requirements. Processes that are not computationally intensive are processed by a low-power, auxiliary processor. In addition, peripheral components accessible to the overall computing system are shared.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for providing a computing system have a base unit and an expansion unit. The base unit has a fixed configuration and includes a CPU, a power supply, a removable media drive and expansion slots. The expansion unit has a power supply, removable media drive, and expansion slots. Additional components are added to the expansion unit in order to maintain stability in the base unit and the expansion unit is connected to the base unit by a high speed external connection. This configuration provides for an expansion path for the computing system that maintains overall stability of the base unit.