Method for controlling boot options

Abstract

A method for controlling power-on options includes: executing a hotkey detection program and executing a power-on option determination program. The hotkey detection program includes: detecting whether a hotkey signal is triggered and, when a hotkey signal is detected to be triggered, setting a variable to a first value. The power-on option determination program includes: reading the variable and, when the variable is read to be the first value, disabling the device from powering on via a storage device connected to a first input / output interface of the device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This case concerns device startup control technology, and in particular a method for controlling startup options by detecting hotkeys to determine startup options. Prior Technology

[0002] In existing technology, when a computer boots up to a certain stage, the user can enter the BIOS setup menu by pressing keys such as DEL, ESC, or F12. These keys allow the user to access the BIOS setup page, thereby enabling advanced system settings.

[0003] However, such operations usually require users to manually press keys during the boot process to modify the relevant options. For example, if a user wants to prevent the system from booting from a specific USB device, they typically need to enter the BIOS settings page, modify the relevant options, and restart the system for it to operate according to the modified settings after restarting. This process not only requires manual operation but also waiting for the system to restart completely, resulting in time consumption and operational inconvenience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In some embodiments, a method for controlling power-on options includes: executing a hotkey detection program and executing a power-on option determination program. The hotkey detection program includes: detecting whether a hotkey signal is triggered and, when a hotkey signal is detected to be triggered, setting a variable to a first value. The power-on option determination program includes: reading the variable and, when the variable is read to be the first value, disabling the device from powering on via a storage device connected to a first input / output interface of the device.

[0005] In some embodiments, the hotkey detection program further includes setting a variable to a second value when no hotkey signal is detected.

[0006] In some embodiments, the power-on option determination procedure further includes: when the variable is read as a second value, allowing the device to power on based on a storage device connected to a first input / output interface of the device.

[0007] In some embodiments, the power-on option determination procedure further includes: when no variable can be read, allowing the device to power on based on a storage device connected to a first input / output interface of the device.

[0008] In some embodiments, the hotkey detection program further includes: detecting whether a second hotkey signal is triggered and, when the second hotkey signal is detected to be triggered, setting a second variable to a third value.

[0009] In some embodiments, the power-on option determination procedure further includes: reading a second variable and, when the second variable is read as a third value, prohibiting the device from powering on via a storage device connected to a second input / output interface of the device.

[0010] In some embodiments, the hotkey detection program further includes: setting a second variable to a fourth value when no second hotkey signal is detected.

[0011] In some embodiments, the power-on option determination procedure further includes: when the second variable is read as a fourth value, allowing the device to power on based on a storage device connected to a second input / output interface of the device.

[0012] In some embodiments, the power-on option determination procedure further includes: when the second variable cannot be read, allowing the device to power on based on a storage device connected to a second input / output interface of the device.

[0013] In some embodiments, a method for controlling power-on options includes: executing a hotkey detection program and executing a power-on option determination program. The hotkey detection program includes: detecting whether a hotkey signal is triggered and, when a hotkey signal is detected to be triggered, setting a variable to a first value. The power-on option determination program includes: reading the variable and, when the variable is read to be the first value, allowing the device to power on based on a storage device connected to a first input / output interface of the device.

[0014] In some embodiments, the power-on option determination procedure further includes: when the variable is read as a second value, disabling the device from powering on the storage device connected to the first input / output interface of the device.

[0015] In some embodiments, the power-on option determination procedure further includes: when no variable can be read, prohibiting the device from powering on based on a storage device connected to a first input / output interface of the device.

[0016] In some embodiments, the power-on option determination procedure further includes: reading a second variable and, when the second variable is read as a third value, allowing the device to power on based on a storage device connected to a second input / output interface of the device.

[0017] In some embodiments, the power-on option determination procedure further includes: when the second variable is read as a fourth value, disabling the device from powering on the storage device connected to the second input / output interface of the device.

[0018] In some embodiments, the power-on option determination procedure further includes: when the second variable cannot be read, prohibiting the device from powering on via a storage device connected to a second input / output interface of the device.

[0019] The following detailed description of the features and advantages of this invention is sufficient to enable anyone skilled in the art to understand the technical content of this invention and implement it accordingly. Furthermore, based on the content disclosed in this specification, the scope of the patent application, and the drawings, anyone skilled in the art can easily understand the relevant purpose and advantages of this invention. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0020] Figure 1 is a flowchart of one embodiment of a method for controlling power-on options. Figure 2 is a flowchart of one embodiment of the hotkey detection program. Figure 3 is a flowchart of one embodiment of the boot option judgment program. Figure 4 is a flowchart of another embodiment of the boot option judgment program. Implementation

[0021] Please refer to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a flowchart of one embodiment of the method for controlling power-on options. First, a hotkey detection procedure is executed (step S01). Figure 2 is a flowchart of one embodiment of the hotkey detection procedure. Please refer to Figure 2. The hotkey detection procedure includes: detecting whether a hotkey signal is triggered (step S011) and, when a hotkey signal is detected to be triggered, setting a variable to a first value (step S012).

[0022] In some embodiments, the method of controlling boot options is applicable to a device, and the method of controlling boot options is performed by a firmware of the device. In some embodiments, the device to which the method of controlling boot options is applicable may be, but is not limited to, a tablet computer, a personal computer, a laptop computer, or a server. In some embodiments, the firmware of the device performing the method of controlling boot options may be, but is not limited to, a Basic Input / Output System (BIOS).

[0023] In some embodiments, in step S012, when the device firmware detects that a hotkey signal has been triggered and sets a variable to a first value, the variable is stored in the device firmware's storage unit. In some embodiments, the device firmware's storage unit may be a volatile storage medium, a non-volatile storage medium, or a combination thereof. Volatile storage media include, for example, random access memory (RAM), such as static random access memory (SRAM) or dynamic random access memory (DRAM). Non-volatile storage media include, for example, read-only memory (ROM), such as programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable rewritable read-only memory (EPROM), electronically eraseable rewritable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable once-only read-only memory (OTPROM), or flash memory. The type of storage unit of the device firmware is not limited herein.

[0024] In some embodiments, the hotkey signal can be received externally, such as by receiving a signal that the hotkey has been pressed through a device, or by receiving a signal that represents the hotkey being pressed through a network.

[0025] In some embodiments, a hotkey is a single key or a combination of multiple keys. In some embodiments, a hotkey may be, but is not limited to, the DEL key, the ESC key, or the F12 key.

[0026] Please refer to Figure 1. After the hotkey detection procedure (i.e., step S01) is executed, the power-on option determination procedure (step S02) is executed. Figure 3 is a flowchart of one embodiment of the power-on option determination procedure. Please refer to Figure 3. The power-on option determination procedure includes: reading a variable (step S021) and, when the variable is read as a first value, disabling the device from powering on via the storage device connected to the first input / output interface of the device (step S022).

[0027] In some embodiments, the first input / output interface may be, but is not limited to, an Advanced Technology Adapter (ATA) interface, a Serial ATA (SATA) interface, a Serializable SCSI (SAS) interface, a SATA Express interface, an M.2 interface, a PCI Express (PCIE) interface, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, or a Mini DisplayPort interface. Corresponding to the first input / output interface, in some embodiments, the storage device may be, but is not limited to, an ATA device, a SATA device, a SAS device, a SATA Express device, an M.2 device, a PCIE device, a USB device, or a Mini DisplayPort device. In some embodiments, the storage device may be, but is not limited to, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid-state drive (SSD), a hybrid solid-state drive, or a flash drive.

[0028] It should be specifically noted that in step S022, the device is only prevented from being powered on by the storage device connected to the first input / output interface of the device, and not the first input / output interface of the device is de-energized or rendered inoperable.

[0029] Please refer to Figure 2. In some embodiments, the hotkey detection procedure further includes: setting a variable to a second value when no hotkey signal is detected (step S013).

[0030] Please refer to Figure 3. In some embodiments, the power-on option determination procedure further includes: when the variable is read to be a value other than the first value, allowing the device to power on via the storage device connected to the first input / output interface of the device (step S023). In some embodiments, the power-on option determination procedure further includes: when the variable is read to be a second value, allowing the device to power on via the storage device connected to the first input / output interface of the device. In some embodiments, the power-on option determination procedure further includes: when no variable is read, allowing the device to power on via the storage device connected to the first input / output interface of the device.

[0031] It should be specifically noted that when the hotkey detection procedure includes step S013, the value of the variable read in step S021 is the second value when no hotkey signal is detected. When the hotkey detection procedure does not include step S013, the value of the variable will not be read in step S021 when no hotkey signal is detected. However, regardless of whether the value of the variable read in step S021 is the second value, or whether the value of the variable cannot be read in step S021, the variable is not the first value, thus meeting the condition of step S023. In other words, regardless of whether the hotkey detection procedure includes step S013, the device will be allowed to power on based on the storage device connected to the first input / output interface of the device (i.e., step S023) when no hotkey signal is triggered.

[0032] In some embodiments, the device firmware includes a menu. In some embodiments, the device firmware menu includes multiple power-on options. Each power-on option corresponds to a specific input / output interface (I / O interface) included in the device. In some embodiments, when a power-on option is set to On or Enable, the device firmware allows the device to power on via a storage device connected to the I / O interface corresponding to the power-on option. When a power-on option is set to Off or Disable, the device firmware prevents the device from powering on via a storage device connected to the I / O interface corresponding to the power-on option. In some embodiments, the device firmware menu includes power-on priority information. In some embodiments, the device firmware determines the power-on priority order of the device based on the power-on priority information. In some embodiments, the device firmware includes a user interface (UI). In some embodiments, a user can configure the power-on options and modify the power-on priority information through the user interface.

[0033] In some embodiments, in step S022, when the variable is read as a first value, the device firmware directly prevents the device from booting via a storage device connected to the first input / output interface by setting the boot option corresponding to the first input / output interface to off or disabled. In step S023, when the variable is read as a value other than the first value, the device firmware directly enables the device to boot via a storage device connected to the first input / output interface by setting the boot option corresponding to the first input / output interface to on or available for use. In other words, the device firmware achieves the purpose of preventing or allowing the device to boot via a storage device connected to the first input / output interface through the boot option function inherent in the firmware itself. For example, assuming the firmware is a BIOS and the first input / output interface is a USB interface, when the BIOS reads the variable as the first value, the BIOS directly prevents the device from booting via a storage device connected to the USB interface by setting the boot option corresponding to the USB interface to off or disabled. If the boot priority information currently determines the device boot priority order as USB interface, M.2 interface, PCIe interface, and SATA interface, then since the USB interface is disabled, the device will skip the USB interface and attempt to boot via the M.2 interface first, regardless of whether a storage device is connected to it. When the BIOS reads a variable that is not the first value, the BIOS will directly enable or allow the device to boot via the storage device connected to the USB interface by setting the corresponding boot option for the USB interface to be available. If the boot priority information currently determines the device boot priority order as USB interface, M.2 interface, PCIe interface, and SATA interface, then since the USB interface is enabled, the device will attempt to boot via the USB interface first.

[0034] In some embodiments, the firmware of the apparatus for performing the method of controlling power-on options includes dual BIOS. In some embodiments, one of the dual BIOSes disables the device from powering on a storage device connected to a first input / output interface of the device. The other of the dual BIOSes allows the device to power on using a storage device connected to the first input / output interface of the device.

[0035] In some embodiments, in step S022, when the variable is read as a first value, the firmware of a device containing dual BIOS will select to use a BIOS that prohibits the device from booting via a storage device connected to the first input / output interface of the device to boot the device, thereby preventing the device from booting via the storage device connected to the first input / output interface of the device. In step S023, when the variable is read as a value other than the first value, the firmware of a device containing dual BIOS will select to use a BIOS that allows the device to boot via a storage device connected to the first input / output interface of the device to boot the device, thereby allowing the device to boot via the storage device connected to the first input / output interface of the device. In other words, the device firmware achieves the purpose of prohibiting or allowing the device from booting via a storage device connected to the first input / output interface of the device through the selection of the BIOS. For example, assuming the firmware contains dual BIOS and the first input / output interface is a USB interface, when the firmware reads the variable as the first value, it will select to use a BIOS that prohibits the device from booting via a storage device connected to the USB interface of the device to boot the device, thereby preventing the device from booting via the storage device connected to the USB interface of the device. Assuming the boot priority information at this time determines the device boot priority order as USB interface, M.2 interface, PCIe interface, and SATA interface, since the BIOS used by the device disables the USB interface, the device will skip the USB interface and first attempt to boot via the M.2 interface, regardless of whether a storage device is connected to the USB interface. When the firmware reads a variable that is not the first value, it will select the BIOS that allows the device to boot via the storage device connected to the device's USB interface to boot the device. Assuming the boot priority information determines the device's boot priority order as USB interface, M.2 interface, PCIe interface, and SATA interface, since the BIOS used by the device allows the use of the USB interface, the device will first attempt to boot using the USB interface. In other words, during the boot process, after the device determines the interface to be used for booting based on the current boot priority information, it reads the variables stored in the device's firmware storage unit before starting to use the determined interface for booting.

[0036] In some embodiments, the hotkey detection procedure further includes: detecting whether a second hotkey signal is triggered and, when the second hotkey signal is detected to be triggered, setting a second variable to a third value. In some embodiments, the power-on option determination procedure further includes: reading the second variable and, when the second variable is read to be a third value, prohibiting the device from powering on via a storage device connected to a second input / output interface of the device. That is, in some embodiments, the method for controlling the power-on option can detect multiple sets of hotkeys and, based on the results of detecting multiple sets of hotkeys, prohibit the device from powering on via a storage device connected to multiple input / output interfaces of the device.

[0037] In some embodiments, when the device firmware detects that a second hotkey signal has been triggered and sets a second variable to a third value, the second variable is stored in the device firmware's storage unit. In some embodiments, the second hotkey signal may be received externally, for example, by receiving a signal indicating that the second hotkey has been pressed through the device, or by receiving a signal representing that the second hotkey has been pressed through a network. In some embodiments, the second hotkey is a single key or a combination of multiple keys. In some embodiments, the second hotkey may be, but is not limited to, the DEL key, the ESC key, or the F12 key. In some embodiments, the second input / output interface may be, but is not limited to, an ATA interface, a SATA interface, a SAS interface, a SATA Express interface, an M.2 interface, a PCIe interface, a USB interface, or a Mini DisplayPort interface.

[0038] In some embodiments, the hotkey detection program further includes: setting a second variable to a fourth value when no second hotkey signal is detected.

[0039] In some embodiments, the power-on option determination procedure further includes: when the second variable is read as a value other than a third value, allowing the device to power on via a storage device connected to the second input / output interface of the device. In some embodiments, the power-on option determination procedure further includes: when the second variable is read as a fourth value, allowing the device to power on via a storage device connected to the second input / output interface of the device. In some embodiments, the power-on option determination procedure further includes: when the second variable is not read, allowing the device to power on via a storage device connected to the second input / output interface of the device.

[0040] In some embodiments, when the second variable is read as a third value, the device firmware directly prevents the device from powering on via the storage device connected to the second input / output interface by setting the power-on option corresponding to the second input / output interface to off or disabled. When the second variable is read as a value other than the third value, the device firmware directly enables the device from powering on via the storage device connected to the second input / output interface by setting the power-on option corresponding to the second input / output interface to on. In other words, the device firmware achieves the purpose of preventing or enabling the device from powering on via the storage device connected to the second input / output interface through the power-on option function inherent in the firmware itself.

[0041] In some embodiments, when the second variable is read as a third value, the firmware of a device with dual BIOS will select to use a BIOS that prohibits the device from booting via a storage device connected to the device's second input / output interface, thus preventing the device from booting via the storage device connected to the device's second input / output interface. When the second variable is read as a value other than the third value, the firmware of a device with dual BIOS will select to use a BIOS that allows the device to boot via a storage device connected to the device's second input / output interface, thus allowing the device to boot via the storage device connected to the device's second input / output interface. In other words, the device's firmware achieves the purpose of prohibiting or allowing the device from booting via a storage device connected to the device's second input / output interface through the BIOS selection.

[0042] Figure 4 is a flowchart of another embodiment of the power-on option determination procedure. Please refer to Figure 4. In some embodiments, the power-on option determination procedure includes: when a variable is read as a first value, allowing the device to power on based on a storage device connected to a first input / output interface of the device (step S024).

[0043] In some embodiments, the power-on option determination procedure further includes: when the variable is read to be a value other than the first value, preventing the device from powering on via the storage device connected to the first input / output interface of the device (step S025). In some embodiments, the power-on option determination procedure further includes: when the variable is read to be a second value, preventing the device from powering on via the storage device connected to the first input / output interface of the device. In some embodiments, the power-on option determination procedure further includes: when no variable is read, preventing the device from powering on via the storage device connected to the first input / output interface of the device.

[0044] In some embodiments, in step S024, when the variable is read as a first value, the device firmware directly enables or allows the device to boot from the storage device connected to the first input / output interface by setting the boot option corresponding to the first input / output interface to "on". In step S025, when the variable is read as a value other than the first value, the device firmware directly disables or disables the boot option corresponding to the first input / output interface by setting it to "off" or "disabled". In other words, the device firmware achieves the purpose of allowing or disabling the device to boot from the storage device connected to the first input / output interface through the boot option function inherent in the firmware itself. For example, assuming the firmware is a BIOS and the first input / output interface is a USB interface, when the BIOS reads the variable as the first value, the BIOS directly enables or allows the device to boot from the storage device connected to the USB interface by setting the boot option corresponding to the USB interface to "on". If the boot priority information determines the device boot priority order as USB interface, M.2 interface, PCIe interface, and SATA interface, the device will first attempt to boot via the USB interface since the USB interface is enabled. If the BIOS reads a variable that is not the first value, it will directly disable the boot option corresponding to the USB interface to prevent the device from booting via the storage device connected to the USB interface. Alternatively, if the boot priority information determines the device boot priority order as USB interface, M.2 interface, PCIe interface, and SATA interface, the device will skip the USB interface and first attempt to boot via the M.2 interface since the USB interface is disabled, regardless of whether a storage device is connected to it.

[0045] In some embodiments, in step S024, when the variable is read as a first value, the firmware of a device containing dual BIOS will select to power on the device using a BIOS that allows the device to power on via a storage device connected to the first input / output interface of the device. In step S025, when the variable is read as a value other than the first value, the firmware of a device containing dual BIOS will select to power on the device using a BIOS that prohibits the device from powering on via a storage device connected to the first input / output interface of the device. In other words, the device firmware achieves the purpose of allowing or prohibiting the device from powering on via a storage device connected to the first input / output interface of the device through the selection of the BIOS. For example, assuming the firmware contains dual BIOS and the first input / output interface is a USB interface, when the firmware reads the variable as the first value, it will select to power on the device using a BIOS that allows the device to power on via a storage device connected to the USB interface of the device. If the boot priority information determines the device boot priority order as USB interface, M.2 interface, PCIe interface, and SATA interface, then since the BIOS of the device allows the use of the USB interface, the device will first attempt to boot via the USB interface during the boot process. If the firmware reads a variable that is not the first value, it will choose to use a BIOS that prohibits the device from booting via a storage device connected to the device's USB interface. Alternatively, if the boot priority information determines the device boot priority order as USB interface, M.2 interface, PCIe interface, and SATA interface, then since the BIOS of the device disables the USB interface, regardless of whether a storage device is connected to the USB interface, the device will skip the USB interface and attempt to boot via the M.2 interface first.

[0046] In some embodiments, the power-on option determination procedure further includes: when the second variable is read as a third value, allowing the device to power on via a storage device connected to a second input / output interface of the device. That is, in some embodiments, the method for controlling the power-on option may allow the device to power on via a storage device connected to multiple input / output interfaces of the device based on the result of detecting multiple sets of hotkeys.

[0047] In some embodiments, the power-on option determination procedure further includes: when the second variable is read as a value other than a third value, preventing the device from powering on via the storage device connected to the second input / output interface of the device. In some embodiments, the power-on option determination procedure further includes: when the second variable is read as a fourth value, preventing the device from powering on via the storage device connected to the second input / output interface of the device. In some embodiments, the power-on option determination procedure further includes: when the second variable cannot be read, preventing the device from powering on via the storage device connected to the second input / output interface of the device.

[0048] In some embodiments, when the second variable is read as a third value, the device firmware directly enables the device to power on via a storage device connected to the second input / output interface by setting the power-on option corresponding to the second input / output interface to "on". When the second variable is read as a value other than the third value, the device firmware directly disables the device from powering on via a storage device connected to the second input / output interface by setting the power-on option corresponding to the second input / output interface to "off" or "disable". In other words, the device firmware achieves the purpose of enabling or disabling the device from powering on via a storage device connected to the second input / output interface through the power-on option function inherent in the firmware itself.

[0049] In some embodiments, when the second variable is read as a third value, the firmware of a device with dual BIOS will select to power on the device using the BIOS that allows the device to power on via a storage device connected to the device's second input / output interface. When the second variable is read as a value other than the third value, the firmware of a device with dual BIOS will select to power on the device using the BIOS that prohibits the device from powering on via a storage device connected to the device's second input / output interface. In other words, the device's firmware achieves the purpose of allowing or prohibiting the device from powering on via a storage device connected to the device's second input / output interface through the selection of the BIOS.

[0050] In summary, by implementing the method for controlling boot options in any embodiment, users can flexibly select the device's boot option during startup by pressing a designated hotkey. Users do not need to enter the device's BIOS page for complex settings or restart the system. This feature greatly enhances user convenience, especially in situations where time is limited or frequent changes to the boot device are required, enabling real-time control of boot options and saving operation time. Compared to traditional methods, users do not need to make prior settings, and even if they forget the current state of the boot option during startup, they can quickly adjust it, avoiding the tedious operation of multiple restarts or entering the settings page.

[0051] Furthermore, the method for controlling the power-on option in any embodiment not only improves the flexibility of user operation but also reduces the error rate during use. Users can decide at any time whether to enable or disable the device's power-on function based on a specific input / output interface connected to the device, as needed. This design not only facilitates daily operation but also provides more flexibility in emergency situations, significantly improving the efficiency and reliability of system management.

[0052] Although the technical content of this case has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit this case. Any modifications and refinements made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of this case should be included within the scope of this case. Therefore, the scope of protection of this case shall be determined by the appended claims.

[0053] S01~S02: Steps S011~S013: Steps S021~S025: Steps

Claims

1. A method for controlling power-on options, applicable to a device, comprising: the device's BIOS executing a hotkey detection program, the hotkey detection program comprising: detecting whether a hotkey signal is triggered; and when the hotkey signal is detected to be triggered, setting a variable to a first value; and the device's BIOS executing a power-on option determination program, the power-on option determination program comprising: reading the variable; and when the variable is read to be the first value, disabling the device from powering on a storage device connected to a first input / output interface of the device; wherein, The device includes power-on priority information, which is used to determine the power-on priority order of the device based on the power-on priority information; wherein, when the device's BIOS reads the variable as the first value, regardless of whether the priority order includes the first input / output interface, the device's BIOS prohibits the device from powering on the storage device connected to the first input / output interface of the device.

2. The method for controlling power-on options as described in claim 1, wherein the hotkey detection procedure further comprises: setting the variable to a second value when no hotkey signal is detected to be triggered; wherein the power-on option determination procedure further comprises: allowing the device to power on via the storage device connected to the first input / output interface of the device when the variable is read to be the second value.

3. The method for controlling power-on options as described in claim 2, wherein the power-on option determination procedure further comprises: when the variable cannot be read, allowing the device to power on based on the storage device connected to the first input / output interface of the device.

4. The method for controlling power-on options as described in claim 3, wherein the hotkey detection procedure further comprises: detecting whether a second hotkey signal is triggered; and when the second hotkey signal is detected to be triggered, setting a second variable to a third value; wherein the power-on option determination procedure further comprises: reading the second variable; and when the second variable is read to be the third value, prohibiting the device from powering on a second storage device connected to a second input / output interface of the device.

5. The method for controlling power-on options as described in claim 4, wherein the hotkey detection procedure further comprises: setting the second variable to a fourth value when no second hotkey signal is detected; wherein the power-on option determination procedure further comprises: allowing the device to power on via the second storage device connected to the second input / output interface of the device when the second variable is read as the fourth value.

6. A method for controlling power-on options, applicable to a device, comprising: the BIOS of the device executing a hotkey detection program, the hotkey detection program comprising: detecting whether a hotkey signal is triggered; when the hotkey signal is detected to be triggered, setting a variable to a first value; and when the hotkey signal is not detected to be triggered, setting the variable to a second value; and the BIOS of the device executing a power-on option determination program, the power-on option determination program comprising: reading the variable; when the variable is read to be the first value, allowing the device to power on via a storage device connected to a first input / output interface of the device; and when the variable is read to be the second value, disabling the device from powering on via the storage device connected to the first input / output interface of the device; wherein... The device includes boot priority information, which is used to determine the boot priority order of the device based on the boot priority information; wherein, when the BIOS of the device reads the variable as the first value, regardless of whether the priority order includes the first input / output interface, the BIOS of the device allows the device to boot based on the storage device connected to the first input / output interface of the device.

7. The method for controlling power-on options as described in claim 6, wherein the power-on option determination procedure further comprises: when the variable cannot be read, preventing the device from powering on the storage device connected to the first input / output interface of the device.

8. The method for controlling a power-on option as described in claim 7, wherein the hotkey detection procedure further comprises: detecting whether a second hotkey signal is triggered; and when the second hotkey signal is detected to be triggered, setting a second variable to a third value; wherein the power-on option determination procedure further comprises: reading the second variable; and when the second variable is read to be the third value, allowing the device to power on via a second storage device connected to a second input / output interface of the device.

9. The method for controlling power-on options as described in claim 8, wherein the hotkey detection procedure further comprises: setting the second variable to a fourth value when no second hotkey signal is detected to be triggered; wherein the power-on option determination procedure further comprises: prohibiting the device from powering on via the second storage device connected to the second input / output interface of the device when the second variable is read as the fourth value.

Images