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Method and apparatus for controlling network and workstation access prior to workstation boot

  • US 5,444,850 A
  • Filed: 08/04/1993
  • Issued: 08/22/1995
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/04/1993
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for enabling predetermined workstation resources to be controlled via a network connection prior to loading of a complete workstation operating system onto a storage medium accessible to a processor of the workstation comprising:

  • a) transferring control means, operable upon workstation startup for transferring control from a workstation preboot process to an external process prior to loading the complete workstation operating system onto a storage medium of the workstation accessible to a processor of the workstation;

    b) responsive to the external process, network connection initiation means for initiating a network connection of the workstation to a server on the network;

    c) upon initiating the network connection, workstation authentication means for authenticating the workstation identification through the server to ensure that the workstation is authorized to be connected to the network;

    d) upon authenticating the workstation identification, file updating means for updating selected files located within the workstation based upon data located within files in the server;

    e) upon updating the selected files, return control means for returning control to the workstation boot process to load the complete workstation operating system.

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