Electrical computers and digital processing systems: support – Computer power control
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-02
2001-05-22
Lefkowitz, Sumati (Department: 2181)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: support
Computer power control
C713S152000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06237100
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to data processing systems and, in particular, to a data processing system and method for controlling a supply of system power. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to a data processing system and method for controlling a supply of system power utilizing power passwords.
2. Description of the Related Art
Personal computer systems are well known in the art. They have attained widespread use for providing computer power to many segments of today's modern society. Personal computers (PCs) may be defined as a desktop, floor standing, or portable microcomputer that includes a system unit having a central processing unit (CPU) and associated volatile and non-volatile memory, including random access memory (RAM) and basic input/output system read only memory (BIOS ROM), a system monitor, a keyboard, one or more flexible diskette drives, a CD-ROM drive, a fixed disk storage drive (also known as a “hard drive”), a pointing device such as a mouse, and an optional SCSI adapter. One of the distinguishing characteristics of these systems is the use of a motherboard or system planar to electrically connect these components together. Examples of such personal computer systems are IBM's PC series, Aptiva series, and Intellistation series.
Some computer systems require a correct entry of a password prior to completing a boot process or prior to permitting full access to the system. However, all of these computer systems must first be powered-on, receiving full system power prior to prompting for entry of a password. Once the computer system is powered-on receiving full system power, the computer system then executes some portion of the initialization, or power-on-self-test (POST) which causes the prompting for an entry of the password.
Although these system are more secure then systems which do not require any password, these systems are still subject to unauthorized access. Once the computer system receives full power and before the password is entered, an unauthorized user may access the system.
One example is gaining control through an option card's BOOT ROM. SCSI cards contain boot ROMs that provide utilities to configure SCSI devices. This utility is available during the execution of POST and before the keyboard is locked with a password.
Therefore a need exists for a data processing system and method for controlling power supplied to the system such that a correct entry of a password is required prior to the system receiving full system power.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A data processing system and method are described for controlling power supplied to the system. The system includes an internal power supply for receiving energy from an external source and supplying the energy to the system. The energy is full system power and is required for the system to be fully operable. The system is initially powered-off such that the energy is not initially supplied to the system. A power-on password is established. The internal power supply supplies the energy to the system only in response to a correct entry of the power-on password, wherein the system is inoperable prior to the correct entry of the power-on password.
The above as well as additional objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed written description.
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IBM Research Disclosure 41991, Power Up Security for External Device Bay, Mar. 1999, p. 392.
Cromer Daryl Carvis
Ellison Brandon Jon
Freeman Joseph Wayne
Kern Eric Richard
Springfield Randall Scott
Bogdon Bernard D.
Felsman Bradley Vaden Gunter & Dillon, LLP
International Business Machines - Corporation
Lefkowitz Sumati
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