Data security method and device for computer modules

Abstract

A security method for an attached computer module in a computer system. The security method reads a security identification number in an attached computer module and compares it to a security identification number in a console, which houses the attached computer module. Based upon a relationship between these numbers, a security status is selected. The security status determines the security level of operating the computer system.

Description

[0001]Notice: More than one reissue application has been filed for the reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 6,643,777. The reissue applications are application Ser. No. 11 / 056,604 filed Feb. 10, 2005 (the instant application), and Ser. No. 11 / 545,056 filed Oct. 6, 2006, which is a continuation of the instant application.<?insert-end id="INS-S-00001" ?>BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to computing devices. More particularly, the present invention provides a method and device for securing a personal computer or set-top box. Merely by way of example, the present invention is applied to a modular computing environment for desk top computers, but it will be recognized that the invention has a much wider range of applicability. It can be applied to other portable or modular computing applications.[0003]Many desktop or personal computers, which are commonly termed PCs, have been around and used for over ten years. The PCs often come with state-of-art microprocessors...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0019]Numerous benefits are achieved using the present invention over previously existing techniques. The present invention provides mechanical and electrical security systems to prevent theft or unauthorized use of the computer system in a specific embodiment. Additionally, the present invention substantially prevents accidental removal of the ACM from the console. In some embodiments, the present invention prevents illegal or unauthorized use during transit. The present invention is also implemented using conventional technologies that can be provided in the present computer system in an easy and efficient manner. Depending upon the embodiment, one or more of these benefits can be available. These and other advantages or benefits are described throughout the present specification and are described more particularly below.

Problems solved by technology

Although somewhat successful, laptop computers have many limitations.

These computing devices have expensive display technology.

In fact, these devices often have a smaller flat panel display that has poor viewing characteristics.

Additionally, these devices also have poor input devices such as smaller keyboards and the like.

Furthermore, these devices have limited common platforms to transfer information to and from these devices and other devices such as PCs.

Up to now, there has been little common ground between these platforms including the PCs and laptops in terms of upgrading, ease-of-use, cost, performance, and the like.

A drawback to having two separate computers is that the user must often purchase both the desktop and laptop to have “total” computing power, where the desktop serves as a “regular” computer and the laptop serves as a “portable” computer.

Purchasing both computers is often costly and runs “thousands” of dollars.

The use also wastes a significant amount of time transferring software and data between the two types of computers.

Another drawback with the current model of separate portable and desktop computer is that the user has to spend money to buy components and peripherals that are duplicated in at least one of these computers.

Because program software and supporting programs generally must be installed upon both hard drives in order for the user to operate programs on the road and in the office, hard disk space is often wasted.

The docking station typically includes a separate monitor, keyboard, mouse, and the like and is generally incompatible with other desktop PCs.

The docking station is also generally not compatible with portable computers of other vendors.

Another drawback to this approach is that the portable computer typically has lower performance and functionality than a conventional desktop PC.

For example, the processor of the portable is typically much slower than processors in dedicated desktop computers, because of power consumption and heat dissipation concerns.

Another drawback to the docking station approach is that the typical cost of portable computers with docking stations can approach the cost of having a separate portable computer and a separate desktop computer.

These removable media do not provide any access security protection in hardware.

Such program is cumbersome to handle for the user requiring extra cost and time.

Having a large number of frequently used files managed by encryption software is not practical.

Without software security program, any file can be read and copied illegally from a hard disk drive on a PC or any removable media.

There is no hardware or protocol security mechanism on a standard peripheral bus such as PCI Bus to detect or block data transactions.

This is too cumbersome for a typical user to manage.

There is no mechanism in current PCs to allow access to the primary hard disk drive and yet prevent copying of its content.

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