Abstract: Techniques for using a controlling computer to control another computer with special instruction package prior to launch of the operating system in the controlled computer. For example, a method includes operating the package prior to running the OS in the controlled computer, using the package to cause the controlled computer to respond to a command from the controlling computer, using the package to generate a video frame to represent the received command and the generated response in two separate fields, and sending data for the video frame to the controlling computer. The package may be a special BIOS instruction set. The two separate fields have different coordinates and data bits representing the command are in the designated command field. In operation, the special BIOS set extracts a command from the data bits in the designated command field for execution according to the coordinates of the data bits.

Abstract: Redirection of accesses to non-existent memory is instead sent to a virtual buffer. The virtual buffer may be implemented in headless systems which include no video buffer. Console redirection may use the virtual buffer to display information about the headless system. Accesses to the non-existent video hardware, either directly or using the BIOS API, are redirected to the virtual buffer before being retrieved by a remote console. The headless system is cheaper and may support additional add-in cards because the system includes no video controller.

Abstract: Systems and methods secure a hard drive with a password. These systems and methods prevent unauthorized access to valuable data on the hard drive and prevent a hacker from sniffing the password as it is communicated over a bus. Data on the hard drive is protected, even if it is not encrypted. Responsibility for managing the security features is shared between the operating system and the BIOS in such a way as to maximize security and minimize boot time.

Abstract: A computer is provided having a SCSI subsystem and multiple SCSI devices connected to that subsystem. Those devices involve electromechanical motors which require a greater amount of current during times needed to spin-up the motor-driven devices to a steady-state velocity than current needed to maintain that velocity. Each SCSI device includes an inquiry page indicating attributes of that device and whether that device supports fast spin-up. If a device supports fast spin-up, firmware within the computer is activated during ROM POST operations forwards a command to begin a spin-up operation on one SCSI device before the prior device has completed its spin-up operation. In this manner devices which support fast spin-up can concurrently spin-up to their constant velocity value so as to minimize the initialization process of the computer system subsequent to reset or boot-up of the system.

Abstract: A computer is provided having a SCSI subsystem and multiple SCSI devices connected to that subsystem. Those devices involve electromechanical motors which require a greater amount of current during times needed to spin-up the motor-driven devices to a steady-state velocity than current needed to maintain that velocity. Each SCSI device includes an inquiry page indicating attributes of that device and whether that device supports fast spin-up. If a device supports fast spin-up, firmware within the computer is activated during ROM POST operations forwards a command to begin a spin-up operation on one SCSI device before the prior device has completed its spin-up operation. In this manner devices which support fast spin-up can concurrently spin-up to their constant velocity value so as to minimize the initialization process of the computer system subsequent to reset or boot-up of the system.

Abstract: A computer system capable of booting currently manufacturable CD-ROMs or tapes without altering the ISO standard or requiring special, customized software to perform this function. A CD-ROM developed for booting according to the present invention contains a boot record as defined by the ISO but located at the end of the defined system area. The operating code of the computer scans for a boot record starting at the beginning sector of the CD-ROM and ending at either a default number or the volume descriptor terminator. The floppy disk boot images are contained at the end of the primary volume space and incorporated in the primary volume space, not external to the primary volume space as in the ISO standard. Boot code contained in the boot record determines the size of the volume, and the proper floppy image to be used and then the actual location of the floppy image. Booting of the system then commences using the floppy image.

Abstract: A computer system capable of booting currently manufacturable CD-ROMs or tapes without altering the ISO standard or requiring special, customized software to perform this function. A CD-ROM developed for booting according to the present invention contains a boot record as defined by the ISO but located at the end of the defined system area. The operating code of the computer scans for a boot record starting at the beginning sector of the CD-ROM and ending at either a default number or the volume descriptor terminator. The floppy disk boot images are contained at the end of the primary volume space and incorporated in the primary volume space, not external to the primary volume space as in the ISO standard. Boot code contained in the boot record determines the size of the volume, and the proper floppy image to be used and then the actual location of the floppy image. Booting of the system then commences using the floppy image.

Abstract: A computer system capable of booting currently manufacturable CD-ROMs or tapes without altering the ISO standard or requiring special, customized software to perform this function. A CD-ROM developed for booting according to the present invention contains a boot record as defined by the ISO but located at the end of the defined system area. The operating code of the computer scans for a boot record starting at the beginning sector of the CD-ROM and ending at either a default number or the volume descriptor terminator. The floppy disk boot images are contained at the end of the primary volume space and incorporated in the primary volume space, not external to the primary volume space as in the ISO standard. Boot code contained in the boot record determines the size of the volume, and the proper floppy image to be used and then the actual location of the floppy image. Booting of the system then commences using the floppy image.