Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for an information processing apparatus capable of allowing a user to select appropriate processing beforehand when an application program outputs sound in a state in which an audio device is silenced. The apparatus in one embodiment includes a silencing module for silencing audio information output from an audio device, a detection module for detecting a sound playback request from an application program while silencing is set, a display module for displaying a select screen for allowing a user to select processing when the sound playback request from the application program is detected by the detection module, and a processing module for executing the processing selected by the user on the select screen.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for suspend-resume scheduling in conjunction with an operation requiring a suspend-resume cycle of a computer 200, including updating, for purposes of system configuration management, a non-volatile memory 506, such as an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (“EEPROM”) 702. A control module 402 sends 806 a request to update the EEPROM 702. A suspend module 404 suspends 818 an operating system 204. A standby module 406 prepares 904 the computer 200 to enter a standby state, estimates 914 a sufficient amount of time to enter the standby state, places 916 the estimate into an alarm register 608, and then enters 918 the standby state. An update module 308 exits 1004 the standby state in response to an alarm signal 612, receives the request if present 1008, writes 1012 the EEPROM 702 with the updated information, and resumes 1018 the operating system 204.

Abstract: In the context of computer systems, the generation of preboot passwords at a server instead of at a client. Preferably, preboot passwords generated at the server are distributed to the client, and a process is offered whereby a user can establish his/her own proxy, not known to the server, that can be used to release the stored passwords to the client hardware. Since the passwords are generated at the server, management of the passwords is greatly facilitated since they are generated at the site where they are stored. This also makes it easy to implement management features such as a group policy, since the password generation software will be able to make logical connections between users and hardware.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing multi-language support in a pre-boot environment are supplied. User interface type information, such as keyboard type information and translation tables, are ascertained and provided to the pre-boot environment of the apparatus, allowing the apparatus to properly receive and/or translate multi-language inputs in an appropriate fashion.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for pre-boot policy modification. A key module exchanges a key with a server in a secure environment. A communication module receives a policy encoded with the key. A decode module decodes the encoded policy using the key and saves the policy setting prior to booting an operating system on the computer. An update module boots the computer using the policy.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and methods are disclosed for aligning a stored scancode sequence that corresponds to a hardware password, with a password input device type such as a current keyboard type. Aligning the stored scancode sequence with the password input device type enables successful validation of a hardware password despite a change in a password input device type or inadvertent corruption of a non-volatile memory used for storing the scancode sequence such as non-volatile memory that stores BIOS information for a computing device.

Abstract: A process, apparatus, and system are disclosed that allow information to be passed between software modules in different partitions in an environment for a predetermined operating system (OS) and an area hidden from the operating system (OS) in a storage device, such as hard disk drive (HDD). The computer system may include a hard disk drive (HDD) that meets a protected area run time interface extension services (PARTIES) specification and that has an access environment for an operating system (OS) and a PARTIES partition. The PARTIES partition is an area hidden from the operating system (OS). The computers system also includes a CMOS/NVRAM that provides a work area for communication between a user mode module, operating in the access environment for the operating system (OS) in a user data management application, and a management mode module, operating in an environment corresponding to the hidden area.

Abstract: In general, the present invention provides a computer apparatus, power supply control method and program for reducing the standby power requirements in a computer supporting a wake-up function. The present invention reduces standby power requirements on power off by three types of control: a wake-up function being set by a user, existence of a device actually capable of realizing the wake-up function, and supplying the power from the auxiliary source only to the device capable of realizing the wake-up function.

Abstract: The present invention facilitates the operational management and usability of a portable computing device by providing an apparatus, method and program product to allow a user to select the operational and power state of a device operably connected with a computer and the power state of the computer prior to removing the computer from an apparatus such as a docking station.

Abstract: Associating biometric information with passwords is disclosed. If biometric information received from a user matches stored biometric information, stored passwords associated therewith are retrieved. If these stored passwords are identical to access-enabling passwords, then the user is permitted to gain access associated with the access-enabling passwords. If the biometric information matches the stored biometric information but the stored passwords do not match the access-enabling passwords or are not present, then the user is requested to manually enter passwords, which are stored. If these stored passwords are identical to the access-enabling passwords, the user is permitted to gain access. However, if the biometric information does not match the stored biometric information, or if the biometric information has not been received from the user or is not present, then the user is requested to manually enter passwords.

Abstract: The present invention facilitates the operational management and usability of a portable computing device by providing an apparatus, method and program product to allow a user to select the operational and power state of a device operably connected with a computer and the power state of the computer prior to removing the computer from an apparatus such as a docking station.

Abstract: A process, apparatus, and system are disclosed that allow information to be passed between software modules in different partitions in an environment for a predetermined operating system (OS) and an area hidden from the operating system (OS) in a storage device, such as hard disk drive (HDD). The computer system may include a hard disk drive (HDD) that meets a protected area run time interface extension services (PARTIES) specification and that has an access environment for an operating system (OS) and a PARTIES partition. The PARTIES partition is an area hidden from the operating system (OS). The computers system also includes a CMOS/NVRAM that provides a work area for communication between a user mode module, operating in the access environment for the operating system (OS) in a user data management application, and a management mode module, operating in an environment corresponding to the hidden area.

Abstract: In general, the present invention provides a computer apparatus, power supply control method and program for reducing the standby power requirements in a computer supporting a wake-up function. The present invention reduces standby power requirements on power off by three types of control: a wake-up function being set by a user, existence of a device actually capable of realizing the wake-up function, and supplying the power from the auxiliary source only to the device capable of realizing the wake-up function.

Abstract: A system, which is intended for wake-up, restores and wakes up information necessary for resuming a task from a detachable external storage device regardless of whether or not the system has executed hibernation. Historical information showing that hibernation is executed in a system providing in the past external storage device is installed in a predetermined area of an external storage device. The wake-up system checks the history information for executing wake-up. Furthermore, the external storage device stores control information including system configuration information when the task is suspended. The wake-up system compares stored system configuration information with the configuration information of itself. When the configuration information does not agree, restore of information to the main memory to the external storage device is rejected.