Abstract: A distributed automated testing system is provided which is capable of being distributed over a network, such as the Internet, for testing hardware and software. A plurality of users operating computers interface to the automated testing system via user interfaces, which preferably are graphical user interfaces. Each user interface displays test parameter choices to the user from which the user may select test parameters relating to a test to be performed. The user interfaces generate data packets in response to selections by the users and output the data packets onto the network. The data packets output from the user interfaces comprise information relating to test parameters selected by the user, commands indicating that performance of a test is being requested, and an address of the location to which the packet is being sent. The data packets are routed to one or more dispatcher machines located on the network which are designated by the addresses contained in the data packets.

Abstract: A communications protocol for an automated testing system is provided which governs the generation and transmission of data packets within the automated testing system. The automated testing system is capable of being distributed over a network, such as the Internet, and is used for testing hardware and software. A plurality of users operating computers interface to the automated testing system via user interfaces, which preferably are graphical user interfaces. Each user interface displays test parameter choices to the user from which the user may select test parameters relating to a test to be performed. The user interfaces generate data packets in response to selections by the users and output the data packets onto the network. The data packets output from the user interfaces comprise information relating to test parameters selected by the user, commands indicating that performance of a test is being requested, and an address of the location to which the packet is being sent.

Abstract: A distributed automated testing system is provided which is capable of being distributed over a network, such as the Internet, for testing hardware and software. A plurality of users operating computers interface to the automated testing system via user interfaces, which preferably are graphical user interfaces. Each user interface displays test parameter choices to the user from which the user may select test parameters relating to a test to be performed. The user interfaces generate data packets in response to selections by the users and output the data packets onto the network. The data packets output from the user interfaces comprise information relating to test parameters selected by the user, commands indicating that performance of a test is being requested, and an address of the location to which the packet is being sent. The data packets are routed to one or more dispatcher machines located on the network which are designated by the addresses contained in the data packets.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for automatically installing an operating system on a computer via a serial port of the computer. An installer machine running an installation program connects to the computer to be installed via a serial port of the computer to form an ASCII connection with the computer. Once the connection is made, the installation program sends commands to the boot ROM of the computer to institute the installation process. The computer program then waits for configuration questions to be asked by the boot ROM of the computer and sends the appropriate answers to the questions. Preferably, the installer is connected to the machines to be installed via a multiplexer/demultiplexer device which is connected to the serial ports of the machines to be installed. Thus, the installer is capable of installing operating systems on a plurality of machines by selecting the port number of the multiplexer/demultiplexer device to which the machine to be installed is connected.

Abstract: The present invention provides a scheduling method and apparatus for use in an automated testing system for automatically scheduling and allocating jobs to test machines. The automated testing system may be distributed over a network, such as the Internet, for testing hardware and software. The user interfaces generate jobs in response to selections by the users and output the obs onto the network in the form of data packets. A plurality of test machines are in communication with the dispatcher machines via the network. When a test machine is available to process a job, the available test machine generates availability data packets which indicate that the test machine is available to process a job. These availability data packets are sent over the network and routed to the dispatcher machine designated by the address contained in the availability data packet.