Abstract: A pre-boot loader reduces the boot time of an operating system (OS). An OS is typically loaded by its own OS loader. A pre-boot loader is typically a software module in the system firmware or the pre-boot environment that loads the OS loader, which in turn loads the OS. In one embodiment, the pre-boot loader bypasses part or all of the steps performed by the OS loader, which shortens the loading time of the OS loader and the OS. In another embodiment, bypassing the steps of the OS loader reduces dependency on the system firmware functions. The system firmware takes advantage of this to further reduce boot time, by executing the pre-boot loader earlier instead of waiting until the full completion of system initialization by the system firmware.

Abstract: An instant-on environment consists of components residing in a computer boot ROM and/or also on a mass storage device. Main components to the instant-on environment include a loader, EPG1, and EPG2. The loader is a module that is integrated into the computer boot ROM, based on an embedded OS, that functions to load other instant-on environment components. There are various methods of integrating the loader into boot firmware to optimize for different requirements. EPG1 is a first user screen that appears on the computer display within seconds after power-on, and from which the user can choose to launch one of the instant-on environment's applications or launch the primary OS. EPG2 is launched if the user chooses to launch an instant-on environment application. EPG2 is a Linux-based desktop environment that the user enters once he selects an application from EPG1.

Abstract: A pre-boot loader reduces the boot time of an operating system (OS). An OS is typically loaded by its own OS loader. A pre-boot loader is typically a software module in the system firmware or the pre-boot environment that loads the OS loader, which in turn loads the OS. In one embodiment, the pre-boot loader bypasses part or all of the steps performed by the OS loader, which shortens the loading time of the OS loader and the OS. In another embodiment, bypassing the steps of the OS loader reduces dependency on the system firmware functions. The system firmware takes advantage of this to further reduce boot time, by executing the pre-boot loader earlier instead of waiting until the full completion of system initialization by the system firmware.

Abstract: An instant-on environment consists of components residing in a computer boot ROM and/or also on a mass storage device. Main components to the instant-on environment include a loader, EPG1, and EPG2. The loader is a module that is integrated into the computer boot ROM, based on an embedded OS, that functions to load other instant-on environment components. There are various methods of integrating the loader into boot firmware to optimize for different requirements. EPG1 is a first user screen that appears on the computer display within seconds after power-on, and from which the user can choose to launch one of the instant-on environment's applications or launch the primary OS. EPG2 is launched if the user chooses to launch an instant-on environment application. EPG2 is a Linux-based desktop environment that the user enters once he selects an application from EPG1.