Texas Instruments Corporation

Thomas P Leavitt

Kevin D Davis

Seong S Shin

David L Harvey

Robert Griego

This is a method and system to lock and release modules on computing devices. The system may include: An automatic lock system for modules on a computing device, the system comprising: a processor connected to a system bus; an input means connected to the processor by the system bus; an output means connected to the processor by the system bus; and a module that inserts into the computing device and is connected to the system bus; a module controller that controls the module and is connected to the system bus; a latch that locks and releases the module to and from the computing device; and a subsystem that controls the latch. The system may also include a basic input/output system (BIOS). The subsystem may include: a means to determine whether the module is being accessed by the processor; a means to communicate to the module controller to terminate input/output activity; a means to remove a plurality of device drivers for the module from the BIOS; and a means to inform an operating system that the module is removed. The module may include: a battery system, a media bay module, a CD-ROM, a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive, and a magneto-optical drive. Other devices, systems and methods are also disclosed.

System for controlling insertion, locking, and removal of modules by

A method (100) is provided for initializing a processing system. The method (100) includes a plurality of steps. Those steps are: loading a primary code block in a flash memory (104); loading an alternate code block in a secondary storage (106); testing the primary code block upon power up of the processing system (134); loading the primary code block from the flash memory into a shadow RAM if the primary code block is not defective (140); and loading the alternate code block from the secondary storage into the shadow RAM if the primary code block is defective (139).

Initializing a processing system

A system (10) is provided for reproducing files (24) of software information. The system (10) includes an initialization file (20) identifying the files (24) of software information. A copying program (22) is defined by the initialization file (20). The copying program (22) is operable to present the files (24) of software information identified by the initialization file (20) to a user of the system (10) when the copying program (22) is run. A processor (12) is operable to access the initialization file (20) and the copying program (22). The processor (12) is further operable to run the copying program (22) so that the user of the system (10) may select for copying at least one file (24) of software information presented by the copying program (22). A copying device (18), connected to the processor (12), is operable to copy any file (24) of software information selected by the user onto a software storage medium (26).

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Temple, TX, United States of America

Thomas P Leavitt