International Business Machines Corporation

Ralph Bonomo

Daryl Carvis Cromer

Randall Scott Springfield

Joseph Wayne Freeman

Joseph Michael Pennisi

Robert Duane Johnson

Howard J Locker

James Peter Ward

Richard Alan Dayan

Diane Nolterieke

Aspects for increasing control information from a single general purpose input/output (GPIO) mechanism are described. The aspects include utilizing a single GPIO mechanism with a socket on a computer system. Determinations of whether a first card, a second card, or no card is installed in the socket occur according to detected changes in signal states on a single signal line between the GPIO mechanism and the socket. Detection of a first state on the single signal line indicates presence of a first card in the socket, while detection of a second state on the single signal line indicates presence of a second card in the socket. Detection of a state change on the single signal line indicates no card presence in the socket, where the changes occur in response to signals sent by a POST (power-on self test) routine to the GPIO mechanism.

Method and system for increasing control information from GPIOs

Aspects for increasing control information from a single general purpose input/output (GPIO) mechanism are described. The aspects include establishing a plurality of voltage levels to indicate a plurality of states for association with installed options on a computer system planar. Further included is the determination of which of the installed options is present via the single GPIO. An analog-to-digital (A/D) converter is also included and converts a voltage level signal indicative of installed options on the computer system planar, while a resistor network is utilized to establish the plurality of voltage levels.

Increasing control information from a single general purpose input/output (GPIO) mechanism

A method, system, and program for selecting and implementing a basic input/output system (&ldquo;BIOS&rdquo;) configuration among various BIOS configurations for a data processing system are disclosed. Different BIOS configurations are defined for various types of users, such as a home user, a commercial user, and a network user. Each of the BIOS configurations includes a different set of BIOS characteristics, such as program setup features security features, and network server features, under which the data processing system is able to run. The different BIOS configurations are stored into a memory device for the data processing system. A designation is set within the memory device that directs a processor of the data processing system to select and execute a desired one of the BIOS configurations for a particular type of user.

Method, system, and program for customizing a basic input/output system (&ldquo;BIOS&rdquo;) configuration according to the type of user

Provides management tools for a System Owner to assure that a personal computer system is secured against access by an unauthorized user by foreclosing the possibility of circumventing a system's security protection during an adapter ROM scan. If security function, such as that for C2 functionality, is enabled, prior to the adapter ROM Scan for the system, the POST code detects whether or not disabling of the keyboard during adapter ROM Scan is enabled. If enabled, the keyboard is disabled or locked prior to adapter ROM Scan. On some systems, the security function may not be used and, the system does not consider password protection for the adapter utilities. If however, the security functionality of the system is enabled, the POST code will continue to enable the password protection for the adapter ROM Scan. Once the input device, e.g., keyboard, is disabled the adapter ROM scan will begin. Upon completion of the adapter ROM scan, the input device will be enabled and progress will continue through POST.

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Kingston, NY, United States of America

Ralph Bonomo