Abstract:
A memory storage system includes a motherboard, a first memory card, and second memory card. The motherboard has a first and second electrical connector. The first memory card has a plurality of electrical connections coupled to the first electrical connector on the motherboard. The first memory card is adapted to receive a plurality of data signals over the first electrical connector and store the data signals in a first preselected pattern. A second memory card has a plurality of electrical connections coupled to the second electrical connector on the motherboard. The second memory card is adapted to receive a plurality of data signals over the second electrical connector and store the data signals in a second preselected pattern, different from the first preselected pattern.
Abstract:
A method for use in a computer system having buses identifiable by bus identifiers and having an expansion card slot capable of being connected to one of the buses and capable of receiving an expansion card. The method includes assigning the bus identifiers to the buses according to an assignment sequence. The method determines if there is an expansion card that can be accessed via the slot. If not, at least one of the bus identifiers for the slot is reserved in accordance with the assignment sequence. Memory space and I/O space may also be reserved for the slot if the expansion card cannot be accessed.
Abstract:
An apparatus is provided for coupling a printed circuit board within a printed circuit board cage. The apparatus includes a baseplate and a latch. The baseplate is mounted to the printed circuit board. The latch is rotatably coupled to the baseplate. The latch includes a pivoting portion, a shaft, and a swell nut. The pivoting portion includes an ejector extending from an end of the pivoting portion. The ejector is engageable with the printed circuit board cage. The shaft is coupled to the pivoting portion. The swell nut is coupled to the shaft and engageable with the printed circuit board cage.
Abstract:
A remote control input device for use with a computer system is disclosed. The remote control input device typically includes means for wirelessly connecting the remote control input device to the computer system, a trackball, coupled to the connecting means for manipulating a pointing icon displayed on the video monitor, and a power source that powers the remote control input device. The remote control input device further includes a power management means for managing the power of the power source by monitoring the status and activity of the trackball used on the remote control input device. The remote control input device typically includes a first set of keys that provide input to the computer system and a second set of keys that are assigned to the trackball that control the pointing icon manipulated by the trackball. Additionally, the remote control input device may be a keyboard type arrangement with a trackball attached and first and second wrist wings can be located adjacent on either side of the keys typically below the key set in order to provide adequate support of the wrists during operation.
Abstract:
A computer network system having a plurality of nodes, one of which is adapted as an administrator node, the administrator node for securely receiving code information from a code provider disposed external to the network system and for securely sending the code information to at least one of the nodes.
Abstract:
A prediction mechanism for improving direct-mapped cache performance is shown to include a direct-mapped cache, partitioned into a plurality of pseudo-banks. Prediction means are employed to provide a prediction index which is appended to the cache index to provide the entire address for addressing the direct mapped cache. One embodiment of the prediction means includes a prediction cache which is advantageously larger than the pseudo-banks of the direct-mapped cache and is used to store the prediction index for each cache location. A second embodiment includes a plurality of partial tag stores, each including a predetermined number of tag bits for the data in each bank. A comparison of the tags generates a match in one of the plurality of tag stores, and is used in turn to generate a prediction index. A third embodiment for use with a direct mapped cache divided into two partitions includes a distinguishing bit ram, which is used to provide the bit number of any bit which differs between the tags at the same location in the different banks. The bit number is used in conjunction with a complement signal to provide the prediction index for addressing the direct-mapped cache.
Abstract:
An object-driven application tool allows a Value Added Reseller (VAR) to access a large body of publicly available information about computing devices and to identify the needs of a particular customer or end user and to select an appropriate solution of equipment, hardware, and networking products to meet the customer's needs. Moreover, the tool includes capabilities allowing a VAR to demonstrate to the end user the appropriateness of the solution, for allowing information entry in high level, abstract business-oriented vocabulary rather than a highly technical low level jargon (thus facilitating data entry of information obtained from the end user) and allowing the tool to recognize whether, for example, a slight increase in memory capacity beyond the express needs of the end user may allow a dramatic reduction in requirements for processor speed or non-volatile data storage. The latter tools allow the exemplary embodiment of the present invention to suggest superior solutions over and beyond the express needs of the end user. Selection of a particular solution is generally decoupled from the needs of the end user, which are stored in a separate database; thereafter, as new equipment to obtain on-line information relating to new products and services. Information in the database also includes retrofit information, so that new products can be installed into existing networks.