Network enhanced bios enabling remote management of a computer without a functioning operating system
US6324644A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 19, 1999 |
| Grant date | Nov 27, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 19, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F11/327
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and system of communicating with a computer through a network prior to booting the computer's operating system or after operating system failure is provided. A multitasking kernel is implemented in a network enhanced BIOS. External references in a NIC device driver are resolved to reference services provided by the network enhanced BIOS. A workstation coupled to the computer through a network may be used to access and set status on the computer prior to loading the operating system or after operating system failure. The multitasking kernel may be operated simultaneously with a conventional BIOS. The computer may be further provided with a means for alerting the workstation in the event of a POST failure or operating system crash.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.