Abstract: A method of saving the context of a plurality of registers in a computer processor, requires determining whether the processor registers have a first size or a second size, and saving the contents of the registers in a buffer using a first set of instructions if the processor registers have the first size (e.g., 64 bits), and using a second set of instructions if the processor registers have the second size (e.g., 32 bits). If the processor registers having the first size, the method may further include the steps of determining whether the processor is operating in a first mode (e.g., 64-bit mode) or a second mode (e.g., 32-bit mode), and then saving the contents of the registers in the buffer using the first set of instructions if the processor is operating in the first mode, but using the second set of instructions if the processor is operating in the second mode.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for booting a multiprocessor computer system including providing a first portion of boot code to multiple processors for execution, selecting a first processor, the selection based on which of the multiple processors first successfully executes the first portion of the boot code, providing a second portion of the boot code only to the first processor, and the first processor executing the second portion of the boot code to configure the multiprocessor system.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a method useful in a multiprocessor system for operating a processor. In one version of the invention, the method includes the steps of storing halt signature data in a register on the processor, the halt signature data being representative of whether the processor is in a halt state, storing start address data in memory which is accessible by the processor, executing an interruptible spin loop with the processor, and comparing the halt signature data with a predetermined halt signature to determine whether the processor is in a halt state when an interrupt is received and reading the start address data from memory to determine whether there is a request to start if the processor is in a halt state.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for booting a multiprocessor computer system including providing a first portion of boot code to multiple processors for execution, selecting a first processor, the selection based on which of the multiple processors first successfully executes the first portion of the boot code, providing a second portion of the boot code only to the first processor, and the first processor executing the second portion of the boot code to configure the multiprocessor system.