摘要:
Described is a system which includes at least one computer system connected to a main computer system via a data transmission network. The at least one computer system has a network connector for communicating data with the main computer. The network connector is supplied with auxiliary power and is operative to communicate with the main computer regardless of whether the at least one computer system is in a normal operating state. The main computer includes a program for detecting when the at least one computer system has been disconnected from the data transmission network. The program sends a first packet to the at least one computer system via the network. The at least one computer system is operative to receive the first packet and respond by sending a second packet to the main computer. The second packet includes data which specifically identifies the at least one computer system.
摘要:
Described is a computer system which is coupled to a remote computer via a network cable. The computer system has a normally closed enclosure and is capable of securing data retained within the system against unauthorized access and notifying the remote computer when an unauthorized access has occurred. The computer system includes an erasable memory element mounted within the enclosure for selective activation to active and inactive states and for receiving and storing a security password when in the active state. A manually operable option switch is mounted within the enclosure. The option switch is manually settable by a user of the computer system for setting the memory element to the active and inactive states. A tamper detection switch is mounted within the enclosure and operatively connected with the memory element for detecting opening of the enclosure and for generating a tamper alert signal and clearing any stored security password from the memory element in response to any switching of the tamper switch. The computer system further includes a network connector which is operative to receive the tamper alert signal and upon so receiving, transmit an alert packet over the communication line to the remote computer. The alert packet contains an alert message and information which specifically identifies the computer system.
摘要:
A system and method for connecting a computer terminal (e.g., a personal computer) to a data transmission network with the appropriate settings for connection obtained from the network if the terminal has been moved and the settings are not appropriate for the new location. The system and method involve detecting that the terminal has been removed from the data transmission network, and, if the terminal has been moved, checking to determine whether the previous settings are appropriate for use in the new location. If the settings are appropriate, then the previous settings are used; if not, new settings for the terminal are obtained from the network, using a program such as the IBM's Dynamic Host Connection Program (DHCP), with the details on the settings (or connection) maintained at both the network and the computer terminal and updated when a new or changed connection to the data transmission network is made.
摘要:
Described is a computer system which is operable to allow configuration to occur on the system unit without removing the system unit from its packaging. The computer system is coupled to a remote computer via a data communication link. The system is operative to detect whether it is in a configuration mode when a power source and a network connection are made through the packaging. If the configuration mode is detected by the system, the system powers on and places itself in the configuration mode to allow (1) the remote computer to transfer signals to the system via the communication link to set up data transfers to the memory of the system, and (2) the remote computer to transfer data to the memory of the system for storage therein, whereby the system is configured at least in part in its packaging.
摘要:
Disclosed is a computer system which can be powered on by at least a first and a second method wherein the first method is different from the second method. The computer system is operative to allow a user to select which one of at least two different pre-selected ordered lists of initial program load (IPL) devices are to be used depending on whether the system was powered on by the first method or the second method. The system includes a processor coupled to a local bus and an input/output (IO) bus. A non-volatile memory is coupled to the processor and the IO bus. The non-volatile memory has a basic input output system (BIOS) stored therein and the BIOS is effective for responding to the energization of the computer system by initiating a power on self test (POST). The non-volatile memory also stores a first pre-selected ordered list of IPL devices and a second pre-selected ordered list of IPL devices. The POST is operative to determine whether the system was powered on by the first power on method or the second power on method. If the first power on method was used, POST will attempt to boot from the first pre-selected ordered list of IPL devices and if the second power on method was used, POST will attempt to boot from the second pre-selected ordered list of IPL devices.
摘要:
A method and system are disclosed for dynamically loading selected BIOS modules and settings from a server computer system to a client computer system according to an identity of a user who is currently utilizing the client computer system. The client computer system is coupled to a server computer system via a network. Selected BIOS modules and settings are associated with a particular user. These BIOS modules and settings are those preferred by the particular user to use in order to customize the client computer system when the client computer system is used by the particular user. The associations among the particular user and the selected BIOS modules and settings are stored in the server computer system. The selected BIOS modules and settings are downloaded from the server computer system to the client computer system when the particular user causes the client computer system to start booting, i.e. when the particular user is the current user. The client computer system is then booted utilizing these downloaded BIOS modules and settings. The client computer system is booted utilizing BIOS modules and settings received from the server computer system in order to customize the client computer system according to the current user's preferences.
摘要:
A data processing system and method are disclosed for prohibiting access to a SCSI bus prior to a correct entry of an access password. The system includes a plurality of internal SCSI bus devices coupled to the SCSI bus. The system also includes an external SCSI connector for coupling external SCSI devices to the SCSI bus. The access password is established and stored within the system. The plurality of internal SCSI bus devices and the external devices are prohibited from accessing the SCSI bus prior to a correct entry of the access password. The SCSI bus includes a busy signal line. Prior to a correct entry of the access password, the system asserts the busy signal line, indicating that the SCSI bus is busy. Both internal and external devices are prohibited from accessing the SCSI bus while the busy signal line is asserted.
摘要:
Described is a computer system which can automatically provide its capabilities to a main computer without powering on to facilitate configuring the system in its shipping package. The computer system is coupled to a remote computer via a data communication link. The system includes a communication subsystem which is supplied with auxiliary power and is operative to detect when a valid communication link is established between the computer system and the main computer. After the detection the communication subsystem sends a first packet to the main computer via the communication subsystem. The first packet includes data which specifically identifies the computer system. When the communication link is coupled to the communication subsystem through the packaging and a power source is coupled to a power connector of the system through the packaging, the system is operative to send the first packet without powering on.
摘要:
An arrangement which eliminates the need to remove a computer system from its packaging in order to initiate a re-imaging process. Particularly, there is broadly contemplated herein the use of a position-sensitive switching arrangement, such as a mercury switch, that is configured to power selected control circuitry in a computer so as to receive additional information or data as needed to update imaging or other aspects of a computer's operating system.
摘要:
A method and system for managing a secure configuration of a server blade on a network. The server blade has a Remote Supervisor Adapter (RSA) card, which contains a list of trusted Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) servers. A remote manager, which communicates with the RSA card via a hyper-secure network, maintains the list of trusted DHCP servers on the RSA card. When the server blade broadcasts a request for configuration parameters to join the network, a response offer is returned from a DHCP server. If the responding DHCP server is not on the list of trusted DHCP servers contained in the RSA card, then the offer is refused, and another DHCP server's offer is evaluated.