Abstract: Flash memory integrated in a hard disk drive chassis maintains a back-up copy of data stored on the hard disk drive between back-ups of the hard disk drive data to separate storage devices. If the hard disk drive fails, the data on the flash memory provides a back-up of changes made since the previous hard disk drive back-up. When a back-up is made of data stored on the hard disk drive to an external storage device, the back-up on the flash memory device is erased to make room for subsequent back-up data. If back-up data stored on the flash memory approaches the capacity of the flash memory, a notice is provided to an end user that a back-up is needed.

Abstract: Separate sets of optical medium identification information are embedded in separate aligned layers of the optical medium to allow an optical drive to initiate use of the optical medium with information from both layers. For instance, a first set of identification information is embedded in the data layer of the optical medium and a second set of identification information is embedded on the protective surface layer of the optical medium. The first and second sets of information align so that a mixed signal is provided when the optical medium is initially inserted in the optical drive with the optical drive reading the separate sets of information while the read head is at a single location.

Abstract: A storage controller, such as a RAID controller arbitrates storage tasks between a hard disk drive and a solid state drive based on predetermined factors, such as the type of information associated with a read or a write or the power available for running the storage devices. For example, a RAID controller on a portable information handling system performs writes and reads for sequential information with a hard disk drive. If power is limited, such as from a battery, the storage controller powers down the hard disk drive and performs storage tasks with the solid state drive with periodic power ups of the hard disk drive to mirror stored information.

Abstract: A system and method which provides a non-volatile memory management system with the ability to monitor the health of a corresponding non-volatile memory and to safeguard data stored within the non-volatile memory when data integrity is at risk. The monitoring and safeguarding is provided via a crisis reliability mode module which monitors the health of a corresponding non-volatile memory and to enters a crisis reliability mode of operation when data integrity within the non-volatile memory is at risk.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for testing a removable storage media drive device are disclosed. According to teachings of the present disclosure, a simulated storage media may be disposed within a removable storage media drive device. In the event removable storage media is not present in the drive device when testing of the device is desired, the simulated storage media may be substituted for at least purposes of testing the operability of one or more device components. In one embodiment, the simulated storage media may be in the form of an annular ring of CD-ROM material. In a further embodiment, the simulated storage media may be in the form of a hologram designed to mimic one or more removable storage media characteristics.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for testing a removable storage media drive device are disclosed. According to teachings of the present disclosure, a simulated storage media may be disposed within a removable storage media drive device. In the event removable storage media is not present in the drive device when testing of the device is desired, the simulated storage media may be substituted for at least purposes of testing the operability of one or more device components. In one embodiment, the simulated storage media may be in the form of an annular ring of CD-ROM material. In a further embodiment, the simulated storage media may be in the form of a hologram designed to mimic one or more removable storage media characteristics.

Abstract: Zoned initialization of a solid state drive is provided. A solid state memory device includes a controller for controlling storage and retrieval of data to and from the device. A set of solid state memory components electrically coupled to the controller. The set is electrically divided into a first zone and a second zone, wherein the first zone is at least partially initialized independent from the second zone. An interface is coupled between the controller and the set of solid state memory components to facilitate transfer of data between the set of solid state memory components and the controller.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for visually communicating disk storage meta information comprising a removable data storage device (RDSD). An RDSD enclosure comprising a disk storage drive, input/output interface, one or more connectors, a storage information module (SIM), a power storage device, and a display is implemented to be connected, disconnected and reconnected to a plurality of predetermined information handling systems. The RDSD is connected to a predetermined information handling system and the SIM gathers information from a plurality of disk information files comprising the RDSD. Once gathered, this information is visually communicated via the SIM to a display comprising the RDSD. When connected to, and powered by, an information handling system, the displayed information is dynamically updated as the operational status of the RDSD changes, but becomes static when RDSD is disconnected.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for authenticating a removable data storage device (RDSD) by implementing a removable trusted information module (TIM) comprising a non-volatile storage medium operable to securely store passwords, digital keys, digital certificates and other security credentials (“security credentials”). An RDSD enclosure comprising a disk storage drive, one or more interfaces, one or more connectors, and a TIM is implemented to be connected, disconnected and reconnected to a plurality of predetermined information handling systems. The RDSD is authenticated by the TIM initiating comparison and cryptographic operations between its contents and the contents of authentication files comprising the RDSD. Once the RDSD has been authenticated, the TIM performs similar operations to authorize access and usage of its contents by the information handling system. Other cryptographic operations are performed to determine whether the integrity of data files has been compromised.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for authenticating a removable data storage device (RDSD) by using a trusted information module (TIM) to control access to data files stored on the RDSD. A security information input receiver receives identity verification factors from a user and provides the identity verification factors to the TIM for processing. In some embodiments of the invention, the TIM uses identity verification factors in cryptographic operation to authenticate the user, the RDSD and the information processing system to each other. The TIM then performs similar operations with the contents of one or more authorization files to control access and usage of the data files stored on the RDSD.

Abstract: Multiple label writes to an optical medium label surface are aligned with each other by reference to a calibration band disposed on the label surface. On initial insertion of the optical medium into the optical drive, a label alignment module uses the optical head to detect the calibration band or, if no calibration band exists, to write a calibration band. The label alignment module analyzes the eccentricity error presented by the calibration band during rotation of the optical medium, such as the amplitude and phase of the error, and applies the error to the optical head to write label information in alignment with the calibration band.

Abstract: An information handling system includes a processor and a disk drive coupled to receive information from the processor. The disk drive is configured to write the information to a first location on a platter. The disk drive is further configured to write the information to n locations on the platter such that a phase difference between successive locations is approximately (360 divided by n) degrees where n is an integer greater than or equal to two.

Abstract: An information handling system includes a processor and a disk drive coupled to receive information from the processor. The disk drive is configured to write the information to a first location on a platter. The disk drive is further configured to write the information to n locations on the platter such that a phase difference between successive locations is approximately (360 divided by n) degrees where n is an integer greater than or equal to two.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for testing a removable storage media drive device are disclosed. According to teachings of the present disclosure, a simulated storage media may be disposed within a removable storage media drive device. In the event removable storage media is not present in the drive device when testing of the device is desired, the simulated storage media may be substituted for at least purposes of testing the operability of one or more device components. In one embodiment, the simulated storage media may be in the form of an annular ring of CD-ROM material. In a further embodiment, the simulated storage media may be in the form of a hologram designed to mimic one or more removable storage media characteristics.

Abstract: A storage system which includes an interface, a channel circuit coupled to the drive interface, a multiplexer, a plurality of drive heads, and a plurality of storage media. The channel circuit receives a select signal controlling whether the channel circuit functions in a single channel mode of operation or a RAID mode of operation. The multiplexer is coupled to the channel circuit and receives the select signal controlling whether the multiplexer functions in the single channel mode of operation or the RAID mode of operation. The plurality of drive heads are coupled to the multiplexer. The plurality of storage media interact with the plurality of drive heads and store data, the data being accessed by the interacting of the plurality of storage media with the plurality of drive heads.

Abstract: A computer system that includes a processor, a device, and a microphone is provided. The microphone is configured to detect an ambient noise level. The processor is configured to cause a noise output of the device to be changed in response to the ambient noise level.