Electrical computers and digital data processing systems: input/ – Input/output data processing – Peripheral configuration
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-29
2001-10-30
Verbrugge, Kevin (Department: 2185)
Electrical computers and digital data processing systems: input/
Input/output data processing
Peripheral configuration
C710S010000, C713S001000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06311232
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to computer systems, and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for configuring storage devices.
2. Description of the Related Art
A computer network is a connection of points (e.g., a plurality of computers) that have been interconnected by a series of communication paths. Moreover, any number of individual computer networks may be interconnected with other computer networks, which may increase the complexity of the overall system. Generally, computer networks may be used to increase the productivity of those computers that are connected to the network. For example, a computer connected to a network may communicate with other computers that are also connected to the network. Furthermore, the computer network may be used to share data, peripherals, or any other resources that are made available on the network.
The interconnection of the various points on the computer network may be accomplished using a variety of known topologies. For example, the most common computer network topologies include the bus, star, and ring configurations. Furthermore, communication between the computers connected to the network may be accomplished using a variety of known protocols. For example, the connected computers may communicate using TCP/IP, SNA, and APPN.
Generally, a host computer (e.g., server) may function as a centralized point on the network. For example, using any of the network topologies discussed above, a plurality of client computers may be interconnected such that the server controls the movement of data across the network. The host computer may have an operating system that may be used to execute a server application program that is adapted to support multiple clients. Typically, the server may service requests from a plurality of client computers that are connected to the network. Furthermore, the server may be used to administer the network. For example, the server may be used to update user profiles, establish user permissions, and allocate space on the server for a plurality of clients connected to the network.
In many computer networks, a large amount of data may be stored on the server and accessed by the attached client computers. For example, each client computer may be assigned a variable amount of storage space on the server. The assigned storage spaces may be private (i.e., protected) or made available to other clients, and the assigned storage spaces may be used to store a variety of file types, such as documents, email messages, etc. Furthermore, the server may be used to save public data (i e., data that does not necessarily have a specific owner but may be accessed by any number of clients.) For example, public folders (i.e., directories) may be created on the server, and the public folders may store data that relates to group projects, company information, or any other data that may require access from more than one client.
The administration of a server is often a complex task that requires a great deal of software and hardware knowledge on the part of the administrator. Certain businesses may desire the functional advantages offered by a server, but may lack the expertise to effectively administer the server. Even if a server is initially configured by the manufacturer or some other installer, it is unlikely that the configuration will meet the needs of the business indefinitely.
As the business changes, so too will its requirements of the server. For example, as a business grows or collects more stored data, the storage provided by the server may be inadequate. As a result additional capacity may be needed. Also, if the business determines that periodic data backups are desired, a backup device may be required.
These types of configuration changes often require both hardware and software knowledge to successfully complete. A new disk drive or backup device may need to be added and configured to allow access to the new drive by the users of the network. Although computer consultants may be capable of providing the requisite expertise, they tend to be costly and may prove untimely. It is thus difficult for some network users to make the changes necessary to support their business operations.
The present invention is directed to overcoming, or at least reducing the effects of, one or more of the problems set forth above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the present invention is seen in a method for configuring storage devices. The method includes detecting an existing storage device configuration. The existence of a new storage device is detected, and the new storage device is configured based on the existing storage device configuration.
Another aspect of the present invention is seen in a computer system including an existing storage device, a new storage device, and a processor. The existing storage device has an existing storage device configuration, and the processor is adapted to detect the existence of the new storage device and configure the new storage device based on the existing storage device configuration.
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patent: 6145019 (2000-11-01), Firooz et al.
patent: 6148355 (2000-11-01), Mahalingam
patent: 6212585 (2001-04-01), Chrabaszcz
Cagle John M.
Noren Gregory T.
Compaq Computer Corporation
Verbrugge Kevin
Williams Morgan & Amerson P.C.
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