Abstract: One embodiment provides a method, including: receiving a command to modify a setting of a computer system, wherein the modification requires a power cycle to a processor; modifying, using a processor, the setting of the computer system based on the command; thereafter, placing the computer system in a sleeping state, wherein the sleep state removes power from the processor; and automatically waking up the computer system based on a wake up timer. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: A system can include a power supply unit; a processor; memory operatively coupled to the processor; a chipset operatively coupled to the processor; diagnostic information memory; and a microcontroller operatively coupled to the chipset via a first diagnostic data transfer bus and the microcontroller operatively coupled to the power supply unit and to the diagnostic information memory via a second diagnostic data transfer bus.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for providing customized thermal control data structures. The default thermal control data structure is typically stored in a first storage device of the IOS module of the information processing system. A custom thermal control data structure is stored on a second storage device that is separately updatable from the first storage device. The thermal cooling module that provides cooling for the information processing system is directed to use the custom thermal control data structure for cooling components of the information processing system.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting a memory transfer setting includes a storage device storing machine-readable code and a processor executing the machine-readable code. The machine-readable code includes a determination module determining that an amount of main memory exceeds a threshold percentage of secondary storage on an information handling device. The machine readable code also includes an adjustment module adjusting a memory transfer setting on the information handling device in response to the determination module determining that the amount of main memory exceeds the threshold percentage.

Abstract: An electronic device receives a stop position tag that indicates a stop position within first electronic content which is a first sensory type. The electronic device identifies a start position within second electronic content using the stop position tag. The second electronic content is a second sensory type that is different than the first sensory type. In turn, the electronic device executes the second electronic content at the identified start position. In one embodiment, the first sensory type is an auditory sensory type and the second sensory type is an image sensory type.

Abstract: A system can include a power supply unit; a processor; memory operatively coupled to the processor; a chipset operatively coupled to the processor; diagnostic information memory; and a microcontroller operatively coupled to the chipset via a first diagnostic data transfer bus and the microcontroller operatively coupled to the power supply unit and to the diagnostic information memory via a second diagnostic data transfer bus.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for providing customized thermal control data structures. The default thermal control data structure is typically stored in a first storage device of the IOS module of the information processing system. A custom thermal control data structure is stored on a second storage device that is separately updatable from the first storage device. The thermal cooling module that provides cooling for the information processing system is directed to use the custom thermal control data structure for cooling components of the information processing system.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting a memory transfer setting includes a storage device storing machine-readable code and a processor executing the machine-readable code. The machine-readable code includes a determination module determining that an amount of main memory exceeds a threshold percentage of secondary storage on an information handling device. The machine readable code also includes an adjustment module adjusting a memory transfer setting on the information handling device in response to the determination module determining that the amount of main memory exceeds the threshold percentage.

Abstract: A computer system retrieves a performance value that corresponds to a first fan's performance, which is controlled by a first fan controller. Next, the computer system generates a control setting based upon the retrieved performance value. In turn, a second fan controller controls a second fan based upon the generated control setting. In one embodiment, the first fan controller is an automatic fan controller and the second fan controller is a manual fan controller.

Abstract: An electronic device receives a stop position tag that indicates a stop position within first electronic content which is a first sensory type. The electronic device identifies a start position within second electronic content using the stop position tag. The second electronic content is a second sensory type that is different than the first sensory type. In turn, the electronic device executes the second electronic content at the identified start position. In one embodiment, the first sensory type is an auditory sensory type and the second sensory type is an image sensory type.

Abstract: A system, computer program product and method for booting to a partition in a non-volatile storage unit without a local operator. In one embodiment, one or more bits in a BOOT register may be set by an operating system indicating if the BIOS should boot to the partition. The BIOS may then read the BOOT register to determine if the BIOS is to boot to the partition as well as any activities to perform if the BIOS is to boot to the partition. In another embodiment, a network interface card may insert directive information received from a packet in a register within the network interface card. The BIOS may then read the register within the network interface card to determine if the BIOS is to boot to the partition as well as any activities to perform if the BIOS is to boot to the partition.

Abstract: A system, computer program product and method for booting to a partition in a non-volatile storage unit without a local operator. In one embodiment, one or more bits in a BOOT register may be set by an operating system indicating if the BIOS should boot to the partition. The BIOS may then read the BOOT register to determine if the BIOS is to boot to the partition as well as any activities to perform if the BIOS is to boot to the partition. In another embodiment, a network interface card may insert directive information received from a packet in a register within the network interface card. The BIOS may then read the register within the network interface card to determine if the BIOS is to boot to the partition as well as any activities to perform if the BIOS is to boot to the partition.

Abstract: A system, computer program product and method for booting to a partition in a non-volatile storage unit without a local operator. In one embodiment, one or more bits in a BOOT register may be set by an operating system indicating if the BIOS should boot to the partition. The BIOS may then read the BOOT register to determine if the BIOS is to boot to the partition as well as any activities to perform if the BIOS is to boot to the partition. In another embodiment, a network interface card may insert directive information received from a packet in a register within the network interface card. The BIOS may then read the register within the network interface card to determine if the BIOS is to boot to the partition as well as any activities to perform if the BIOS is to boot to the partition.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for securely updating system attributes of a client computer with a BIOS and includes signing a public key of a secure server with a private key of the BIOS prior to completion of manufacturing of the client computer to create an encrypted public key and embedded private key stored at the server. The method includes receiving at the server a request packet transmitted from the client computer requesting system attribute modification, encrypting the request packet to create an encrypted packet, and transmitting a return packet to client computer comprising the encrypted packet, the server's public key, and server instructions. The client computer decrypts the request packet using the server's public key and compares it to the original request packet, and if identical, executes the server instructions to modify the client computer's boot block to update client computer's system attributes.

Abstract: A hard drive having a protected partition is used in the recovery of a BIOS image for a computer system. An EEPROM is used to store a first BIOS image that is used to boot-up the system and recovery code is used to recover a new BIOS image if the first BIOS image has been corrupted. The new BIOS image is stored in the protected partition of the drive. A recover BIOS command is issued whenever the first BIOS image has been corrupted or a remote or local recover BIOS request is received. When the first BIOS is corrupted, the EEPROM is rewritten with the second BIOS image and the system boots with the rewritten first BIOS image. When a recover BIOS request is received in a data packet sent over a communication link, the data packet is authenticated before the first BIOS image is rewritten.

Abstract: A method and system for providing correct operational parameters for up-level design components utilized within a computer system after a low level basic input/output system (BIOS) code has been qualified. A patch file is created or obtained for a component that is added to a computer system after a BIOS code has been qualified for the computer system. The patch file includes the operating parameters (or profiles) of the component. The flash module is designed with a memory block reserved for holding data from the patch file, which can be updated independently of the rest of the flash module. The Advance Configuration Program Interface (ACPI) or advanced power management (APM) code of the computer system is modified to dynamically read the parameters from this memory block and update their respective functions accordingly. During set up of the computer system, the patch file is flashed into the reserved block of the flash module.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for reducing power-up time and avoiding customer-induced failures of computer systems during power-up. An intrusion switch, which is connected to the inside frame of the computer system is utilized. The intrusion switch signals the BIOS of the computer system whenever the cover of the computer's system unit is opened. The BIOS controls the POST operation during power-up of the computer system. During an initial power-up of the computer system, the POST configuration code examines and configures the hardware and sets the applicable registers, etc. At the end of the POST configuration code, the register values are stored in non-volatile storage. During a subsequent power-up of the computer system, a check is made to see if the cover of the system had been opened. When the cover has not been opened, the BIOS assumes that no changed has occurred in the hardware configuration and the BIOS restores the register values from non-volatile storage without completing the POST operation.

Abstract: A method for remotely powering up a computer, includes: receiving a telephone call by a device coupled to a powered down computer; determining an originator's telephone number for the telephone call; determining if the originator's telephone number matches one of a plurality of authorized telephone numbers; and powering up the computer if the originator's telephone number matches one of the plurality of authorized telephone numbers. The method and system utilizes the well known “Caller-ID” technology to determine the originator's telephone number for a telephone call received by a modem coupled to the computer. If there is no match, the computer remains in a powered down state. In this manner, the system discriminates between the received telephone calls, and avoids powering up the computer when the received call is not for this purpose. This avoids wasting power.

Abstract: The disclosed methods enable users to securably modify system attributes of completed computer systems, without requiring that the system be returned to their manufacturer or that the system be “overhauled.” The methods of the present invention permit manufacturing cost savings and efficiencies, while allowing existing built inventory to be modified to meet current market demands without the need to recall built systems back to the origin of manufacture.

Abstract: A method for remotely powering up a computer, includes: receiving a telephone call by a device coupled to a powered down computer; determining an originator's telephone number for the telephone call; determining if the originator's telephone number matches one of a plurality of authorized telephone numbers; and powering up the computer if the originator's telephone number matches one of the plurality of authorized telephone numbers. The method and system utilizes the well known “Caller-ID” technology to determine the originator's telephone number for a telephone call received by a modem coupled to the computer. If there is no match, the computer remains in a powered down state. In this manner, the system discriminates between the received telephone calls, and avoids powering up the computer when the received call is not for this purpose. This avoids wasting power.