Importance

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Abstract

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for automatically installing an operating system on a computer via a serial port of the computer. An installer machine running an installation program connects to the computer to be installed via a serial port of the computer to form an ASCII connection with the computer. Once the connection is made, the installation program sends commands to the boot ROM of the computer to institute the installation process. The computer program then waits for configuration questions to be asked by the boot ROM of the computer and sends the appropriate answers to the questions. Preferably, the installer is connected to the machines to be installed via a multiplexer/demultiplexer device which is connected to the serial ports of the machines to be installed. Thus, the installer is capable of installing operating systems on a plurality of machines by selecting the port number of the multiplexer/demultiplexer device to which the machine to be installed is connected. The installer receives requests to install operating systems on one or more of the machines. The requests indicate which machine is to be installed and the type of operating system to be installed. The installer then sends a command to a machine to be installed which causes the machine to go into its boot ROM. The installer selects a script needed for installing the paraticular type of operating system. The installer then sends a series of installation commands to the computer in response to the series of questions output to the installer by the boot ROM of the computer. Preferably, the installer is incorporated into an automated testing system to allow operating systems to be automatically installed on a plurality of test machines over a network. The automated testing system is capable of being distributed over a network, such as the Internet, and is used for testing hardware and software.

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First Claim