公开(公告)号：CA1293821C

公开(公告)日：1991-12-31

申请号：CA558930

申请日：1988-02-15

Applicant: IBM

Inventor： BEALKOWSKI RICHARD ,  DAYAN RICHARD A ,  DORIA DAVID J ,  KINNEAR SCOTT G ,  KRANTZ JEFFREY I ,  LIVERMAN ROBERT B ,  SOTOMAYOR GUY G ,  WILLIAMS DONALD D ,  VAISKAUCKAS GARY A

IPC: G06F9/06 ,  G06F12/02 ,  G06F12/08 ,  G06F12/10 ,  G06F12/14

Abstract: IBM Docket No. BC9-87-003 COMPUTER SYSTEM HAVING MODE INDEPENDENT ADDRESSING A computer system and method for operating a computer system capable of running in mutually incompatible real and protected addressing modes, in which programs written for one mode can be run in the other mode without modification. The BIOS assembles two different common data areas for the two modes, each inclusive of device block pointers, function transfer table pointers, data pointers, and function pointers. The common data area for the real mode is assembled first. To assemble the pointers for the protected mode common data area, the offset values from the real mode area are copied directly, and then selector values are inserted whose physical addresses correspond to the segments of the corresponding pointers in the real mode area. The selector values are derived from a segment descriptor table.

公开(公告)号：CA1285065C

公开(公告)日：1991-06-18

申请号：CA481215

申请日：1985-05-09

Applicant: IBM

Inventor： AGOGLIA ROBERT J ,  DAYAN RICHARD A ,  SMITH BRUCE A

IPC: G06F3/06 ,  G11B19/00

Abstract: DISKETTE DRIVE TYPE DETERMINATION Diskette drive determination in which a read/ write head in a diskette drive is instructed to move to a track that is inaccessible on one type of diskette drive. The head is then stepped back toward a track associated with a sensor indicating the positioning of the head over the track. The number of steps required to activate the sensor determines which type of diskette is being used.

公开(公告)号：CA2020523A1

公开(公告)日：1991-02-26

申请号：CA2020523

申请日：1990-07-05

Applicant: IBM

Inventor： BEALKOWSKI RICHARD ,  BLACKLEDGE JOHN W JR ,  CRONK DOYLE S ,  DAYAN RICHARD A ,  KINNEAR SCOTT G ,  KOVACH GEORGE D ,  PALKA MATTHEW S JR ,  SACHSENMAIER ROBERT ,  ZYVOLOSKI KEVIN M

IPC: G06F9/06

Abstract: An apparatus and method for loading BIOS stored on a direct access storage device (62,66) into a personal computer system (10). The personal computer system (10) comprises a system processor (26), a system planar (24), a random access main memory, a read only memory (36), and at least one direct access storage device (62,66). The read only memory (36) includes a first portion of BIOS and data representing the type of system processor (26) and system planar (24) I/O configuration. The first portion of BIOS initializes the system (10) and the direct access storage device (62,66) to read in a master boot record into the system (10) from the direct access storage device (62,66). The master boot record includes a data segment (122-138) and an executable code segment (120). The data segment (122-138) includes data representing system hardware and a system (10) configuration which is supported by the master boot record. The first BIOS portion confirms the master boot record is compatible with the system hardware by verifying that the data from the data segment (122-138) of the master boot record agrees with the system processor (26), system planar (24), and planar I/O configuration. If the master boot record is compatible with the system hardware, the first BIOS portion vectors the system processor (26) to execute the executable code segment (120) of the master boot record. The executable code segment (120) confirms that the system configuration has not changed and loads in the remaining BIOS portion from the direct access storage device (62,66) into random access memory (32). The executable code segment (120) then verifies the authenticity of the remaining BIOS portion and vectors the system processor (26) to begin executing the BIOS now in random access memory (32). BIOS executing in random access memory (32) then boots up the operating system to begin operation of the personal computer system (10).

公开(公告)号：CA2020521C

公开(公告)日：1993-11-09

申请号：CA2020521

申请日：1990-07-05

Applicant: IBM

Inventor： BEALKOWSKI RICHARD ,  BLACKLEDGE JOHN W JR ,  CRONK DOYLE S ,  DAYAN RICHARD A ,  KINNEAR SCOTT G ,  KOVACH GEORGE D ,  PALKA MATTHEW S JR ,  SACHSENMAIER ROBERT ,  ZYVOLOSKI KEVIN M

IPC: G06F13/10 ,  G06F9/445

Abstract: An apparatus and method for decreasing the memory requirements of BIOS in a personal computer system includes storing a first portion of BIOS in memory and a second portion on a direct storage access device. The personal computer system comprises a system processor, a random access main memory, a read only memory, and at least one direct access storage device. The read only memory includes the first portion of BIOS and data representing the type of system processor and system planar I/O configuration. The first portion of BIOS only includes routines for initializing the system and the direct access storage device to read in a master boot record into the system from the direct access storage device. The master boot record includes a data segment and an executable code segment. The data segment includes data representing system hardware and a system configuration which is supported by the master boot record. The first BIOS portion confirms the master boot record is compatible with the system hardware by verifying that the data from the data segment of the master boot record agrees with the system processor, system planar, and planar I/O configuration. If the master boot record is compatible with the system hardware, the first BIOS portion vectors the system processor to execute the executable code segment of the master boot record. The executable code segment confirms that the system configuration has not changed and loads in the remaining BIOS portion from the direct access storage device into random access memory superseding the first BIOS portion. The executable code segment then verifies the authenticity of the remaining BIOS portion and vectors the system processor to begin executing the remaining BIOS now in random access memory. The remaining BIOS in main memory includes reusable routines for operating the personal computer system in a normal manner.

公开(公告)号：BR9300396A

公开(公告)日：1993-08-31

申请号：BR9300396

申请日：1993-02-01

Applicant: IBM

Inventor： BLACKLEDGE JOHN W JR ,  CLARKE GRANT L JR ,  DAYAN RICHARD A ,  LE KIMTHANH DO ,  MCCOURT PATRICK E ,  MITTELSTEDT MATTHEW T ,  MOELLER DENNIS LEE ,  NEWMAN PALMER E ,  RANDALL DAVE L ,  YODER JOANA B

IPC: G06F11/00 ,  G06F9/06 ,  G06F12/14 ,  G06F21/00 ,  G06F21/06 ,  G06F21/22 ,  G06F21/24 ,  G06F15/20

Abstract: This invention relates to personal computer systems and, more particularly, to such a system having security features enabling control over access to data retained in such a system. In particular, a personal computer system in accordance with this invention has a normally closed enclosure, an erasable memory element for selective activation to active and inactive states and for receiving and storing a privileged access password when in the active state, an option switch operatively connected with the erasable memory element for setting the erasable memory element to the active and inactive states, a tamper detection switch operatively connected with the erasable memory element for detecting opening of the enclosure and for clearing any stored privileged access password from the erasable memory element in response to any switching of the tamper switch, and a system processor operatively connected with the erasable memory element for controlling access to at least certain levels of data stored within the system by distinguishing between the active and inactive states of the memory element and between entry and non-entry of any stored privileged access password. In the presently preferred form of the invention, two non-volatile erasable memory elements are provided, one an EEPROM and the other battery backed CMOS RAM.

公开(公告)号：PT95081A

公开(公告)日：1992-05-29

申请号：PT9508190

申请日：1990-08-23

Applicant: IBM

Inventor： BEALKOWSKI RICHARD ,  BLACKLEDGE JOHN W JR ,  CRONK DOYLE S ,  DAYAN RICHARD A ,  KINNEAR SCOTT G ,  KOVACH GEORGE D ,  PALKA MATTHEW S JR ,  SACHSENMAIER ROBERT ,  ZYVOLOSKI KEVIN M

IPC: G06F13/10 ,  G06F9/445 ,  G06K

Abstract: An apparatus and method for loading BIOS from a diskette drive (66) into a personal computer system (10) normally connected to a fixed disk drive (62). The personal computer system (10) further includes a system processor (26), a random access main memory, a read only memory (36) and a switching means. The switching means generates a signal to indicate a mode for whether BIOS loads from either diskette or disk. In a priority mode, BIOS loads immediately from diskette. In a recovery mode, BIOS loads from diskette after testing the disk subsystem. The read only memory (36) includes a first portion of BIOS and data representing the type of system processor (26) and system planar (24) I/O configuration. The first portion of BIOS initializes the system (10) and queries the switching means. If the fixed disk is not available or the master boot record on the disk is invalid, the first portion of BIOS reads in a master boot record from the diskette drive (66). For either mode, the master boot record includes a data segment (122-138) and an executable code segment (120). The data segment (122-138) includes data representing system hardware and a system configuration which is supported by the master boot record. The first BIOS portion transfers control to the executable code segment (120) which confirms the master boot record is compatible with the system hardware by verifying that the data from the data segment (122-138) of the master boot record agrees with the system processor (26), system planar (24), and planar I/O configuration. If the master boot record is compatible with the system hardware, the executable code segment (120) confirms that the system configuration has not changed and loads in the remaining BIOS portion from the diskette drive (66) into random access memory (32). The executable code segment (120) then verifies the authenticity of the remaining BIOS portion and vectors the system processor (26) to begin executing the BIOS now in random access memory (32). BIOS, executing in random access memory (32), then boots up the operating system to begin operation of the personal computer system (10).

公开(公告)号：CA2044522A1

公开(公告)日：1992-01-24

申请号：CA2044522

申请日：1991-06-13

Applicant: IBM

Inventor： ARNOLD LISA R ,  BEALKOWSKI RICHARD ,  BLACKLEDGE JOHN W JR ,  CRONK DOYLE S ,  DAYAN RICHARD A ,  GEISLER DOUGLAS R ,  MITTELSTEDT MATTHEW T ,  PALKA MATTHEW S JR ,  PAUL JOHN D ,  SACHSENMAIER ROBERT ,  SMELTZER KENNETH D ,  WOYTOVECH PETER A ,  ZYVOLOSKI KEVIN M

IPC: G06F3/06 ,  G06F9/445 ,  G06F11/08 ,  G06F11/22 ,  G06F13/10 ,  G06F12/14

Abstract: A personal computer system according to the present invention comprises a system processor, a random access memory, a read only memory, and at least one direct access storage device. A direct access storage device controller coupled between the system processor and direct access storage device includes a protection mechanism for protecting a region of the storage device. The protected region of the storage device includes a master boot record, a BIOS image and a system reference diskette image. The BIOS image includes a section known as Power on Self Test (POST). POST is used to test and initialize a system. Upon detecting any configuration error, system utilities from the system reference diskette image, such as set configuration programs, diagnostic programs and utility programs can be automatically activated from the direct access storage device.

公开(公告)号：CA2020521A1

公开(公告)日：1991-02-26

申请号：CA2020521

申请日：1990-07-05

Applicant: IBM

Inventor： BEALKOWSKI RICHARD ,  BLACKLEDGE JOHN W JR ,  CRONK DOYLE S ,  DAYAN RICHARD A ,  KINNEAR SCOTT G ,  KOVACH GEORGE D ,  PALKA MATTHEW S JR ,  SACHSENMAIER ROBERT ,  ZYVOLOSKI KEVIN M

IPC: G06F13/10 ,  G06F9/445

Abstract: An apparatus and method for decreasing the memory requirements of BIOS in a personal computer system (10) includes storing a first portion of BIOS in memory and a second portion on a direct storage access device. The personal computer system (10) comprises a system processor (26), a random access main memory, a read only memory (36), and at least one direct access storage device (62,66). The read only memory (36) includes the first portion of BIOS and data representing the type of system processor (26) and system planar (24) I/O configuration. The first portion of BIOS only includes routines for initializing the system (10) and the direct access storage device (62,66) to read in a master boot record into the system (10) from the direct access storage device (62,66). The master boot record includes a data segment (122-138) and an executable code segment (120). The data segment (122-138) includes data representing system hardware and a system configuration which is supported by the master boot record. The first BIOS portion confirms the master boot record is compatible with the system hardware by verifying that the data from the data segment (122-138) of the master boot record agrees with the system processor (26), system planar (24), and planar (24) I/O configuration. If the master boot record is compatible with the system hardware, the first BIOS portion vectors the system processor (26) to execute the executable code segment (120) of the master boot record. The executable code segment (120) confirms that the system conf iguration has not changed and loads in the remaining BIOS portion from the direct access storage device (62,66) into random access memory (32) superseding the first BIOS portion. The executable code segment (120) then verifies the authenticity of the remaining BIOS portion and vectors the system processor (26) to begin executing the remaining BIOS now in random access memory (32). The remaining BIOS in main memory includes reusable routines for operating the system (10) in a normal manner.

公开(公告)号：CA2020523C

公开(公告)日：1993-11-09

申请号：CA2020523

申请日：1990-07-05

Applicant: IBM

Inventor： BEALKOWSKI RICHARD ,  BLACKLEDGE JOHN W JR ,  CRONK DOYLE S ,  DAYAN RICHARD A ,  KINNEAR SCOTT G ,  KOVACH GEORGE D ,  PALKA MATTHEW S JR ,  SACHSENMAIER ROBERT ,  ZYVOLOSKI KEVIN M

IPC: G06F9/06 ,  G06F9/445

Abstract: An apparatus and method for loading BIOS stored on a direct access storage device into a personal computer system. The personal computer system comprises a system processor. a system planar, a random access main memory, a read only memory, and at least one direct access storage device. The read only memory includes a first portion of BIOS and data representing the type of system processor and system planar I/O configuration. The first portion of BIOS initializes the system and the direct access storage device to read in a master boot record into the system from the direct access storage device. The master boot record includes a data segment and an executable code segment. The data segment includes data representing system hardware and a system configuration which is supported by the master boot record. The first BIOS portion confirms the master boot record is compatible with the system hardware by verifying that the data from the data segment of the master boot record agrees with the system processor, system planar, and planar I/O configuration. If the master boot record is compatible with the system hardware, the first BIOS portion vectors the system processor to execute the executable code segment of the master boot record. The executable code segment confirms that the system configuration has not changed and loads in the remaining BIOS portion from the direct access storage device into random access memory. The executable code segment then verifies the authenticity of the remaining BIOS portion and vectors the system processor to begin executing the BIOS now in random access memory. BIOS executing in random access memory then boots up the operating system to begin operation of the personal computer system.

公开(公告)号：PT98412A

公开(公告)日：1993-08-31

申请号：PT9841291

申请日：1991-07-22

Applicant: IBM

Inventor： BEALKOWSKI RICHARD ,  BLACKLEDGE JOHN W JR ,  CRONK DOYLE S ,  DAYAN RICHARD A ,  SACHSENMAIER ROBERT ,  ZYVOLOSKI KEVIN M ,  ARNOLD LISA R ,  GEISLER DOUGLAS R ,  MITTELSTEDT MATTHEW T ,  PALKA MATTHEW S JR ,  PAUL JOHN D ,  SMELTZER KENNETH D ,  WOYTORECH PETER A

IPC: G06F3/06 ,  G06F9/445 ,  G06F11/08 ,  G06F11/22 ,  G06F13/10 ,  G06F1/00

Abstract: A personal computer system according to the present invention comprises a system processor, a random access memory, a read only memory, and at least one direct access storage device. A direct access storage device controller coupled between the system processor and direct access storage device includes a protection mechanism for protecting a region of the storage device. The protected region of the storage device includes a master boot record, a BIOS image and a system reference diskette image. The BIOS image includes a section known as Power on Self Test (POST). POST is used to test and initialise a system. Upon detecting any configuration error, system utilities from the system reference diskette image, such as set configuration programs, diagnostic programs and utility programs can be automatically activated from the direct access storage device.