Compaq Computer Corporation, Inc.

Compaq Information Technologies Group, L.p.

Timothy R Zinsky

Charles N Shaver

Paul B Rawlins

Roger A Kaiser, Jr

John Edward Larson

Paul J Broyles

A personal computer provides security features enabling control over access to data retained in the computer. The computer is secured by having the system ROM provide a password at power-on to a security device which controls access to the secured features. Once a password has been downloaded to the security device, a Protect Resources command is issued to the security device. To gain access to the secured feature after boot-up, the user provides the correct password to the security device and waits for approval from the security device. Since the security device only verifies the password and does not divulge it, security of the system is enhanced. Once access to protected resources is no longer required, the computer issues another Protect Resources command to the security device to once more lock access to the protected resources.

Security control for personal computer

A memory controller and method of operation for detecting different type of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) devices in a computer system. The memory controller has capabilities for improved page hits which cause the row address strobe signals to remain asserted following certain cycles. A mechanism in the memory controller selectably disables column address strobing. Different DRAM types are distinguishable by reading back data previously written to a memory location. Data is written to memory with a cycle causing the memory controller to keep the row address strobes asserted. Column address strobing is disabled. A read back cycle is performed without column address strobing. If data is present, the DRAM is an extended data output (EDO) DRAM. If data is not present, the DRAM is a fast page mode DRAM.

Method and apparatus for detecting memory device types

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Houston, TX, United States of America

Timothy R Zinsky