DE19964077A1 - Non-erasable operating system extension for computers and Internet access devices - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a computer (1, 4, 6), comprising a central computing device (14), storage devices (10 12) for providing a boot information storage area (10, BIOS) and a data write/read storage area (11, 12), an operating system (12) for operating the computer being stored in said storage device (10, 12); and an interface (15, 5) for exchanging data between the computer ((1, 4, 6) and an external communications device. According to the invention, a special storage area (13) for supplementing and/or exchanging certain data of the operating system (12) is provided for a display device (2, 20) and/or for the interface (15, 5), in order to prevent users from accessing external data services not provided by the installer of the computer.

Description

The invention relates to operating system settings for computers, in particular PCs, and internet facilities with the generic features of claim 1. Computers and other computing devices, such as. B. Internet access computers have a built-in Storage device with a stored therein system specific instruction set for loading certain Operating systems, the so-called BIOS (Basic Input / Output System). As operating systems for a commercially available PC (Personal computers) are currently z. B. MS-DOS® or its Operating system extension MS-WINDOWS® known. The BIOS as a basic operating system and the actual operating system serve the basic functions for operating the computer to provide. The necessary for booting (bootstrapping) BiOS is usually in a fixed installation Soeichereinrichtung, z. B. a semiconductor write / Read memory saved with partial write access and points to the when the computer boots Memory area of the operating system that is usually on  a main storage device, for example one Hard disk for write and read access is saved.

In the operating system itself or as an operating system extension are u. a. also set parameters for access to other facilities, for example external Communication facilities are required. Such Communication devices can access computers for access to a network like the Internet. On such a parameter for establishing a connection is for For example the DNS / IP identifier or the access telephone number for such an external communication device.

The fact that the operating system on a write / Read memory is stored, such Operating system parameters after installing the Operating system subsequently deleted, supplemented or changed become. In particular, this also means setting up and Change access phone numbers for others or others external communication facilities possible.

This is disadvantageous if operators of such external Communication facilities or advertising agencies computers distribute who only or prefers access to certain external communication facilities or specific addresses within an external network, because these preset addresses or parameters changed can be.

The object of the invention is to determine certain Parameters to control the functioning of a computer or the like for access to others Specify communication facilities in particular.

This task is done by a computer or access computer solved with the features of claim 1, the  Accessibility to another Communication facility offers. An independent solution this task also results from an external Interface device for computers or the like with the features of claim 15 and also from one electronic component for such computers or Interfaces with the features of claim 18. A method with the step of controlling a such a computer achieves the task according to claim 19 according to the procedure.

The storage of the relevant data on a Read memory, e.g. B. a read-only chip prevented an update, but prevents in advantageously a subsequent manipulation of the Data during the manufacturer's installation were saved.

A partial write access enables one Update of parts of the data. This makes it possible certain data for e.g. B. access to a particular one Internet providers in a read-only Save the memory area permanently and cannot be manipulated, while the addresses for certain websites are whole or partially stored in the overwritable memory area so that these addresses are at least partially are updateable.

It is also advantageous to do this in addition to addresses necessary operating system components in the non-erasable Storage area. All connections with the Internet or an intranet then take place over the previously permanently installed and non-erasable provider or Provider address and / or provider number.  

Another type of such data can affect the presentation refer to the display area, e.g. B. fixed Windows and / or activation areas over which certain programs or data providers are accessed can.

The repeated review or overwriting of certain Operating system parameters based on the parameters of the Additional storage device allows before, after or during Boot an update of the operating system without the special presets that are in the Additional storage device are deposited to lose. In particular, certain can be prevented Subsequent changes to the operating system data against the Sake of the one who configured the auxiliary storage removed, supplemented or overwritten. The Remove additional windows with activation areas that are assigned fixed hotlinks, or the Can only access certain data providers thus completely or partially prevented if desired become.

A particular advantage is that z. B. Advertising agencies or providers of internet or Banking services computer or Communication facilities for users or customers can issue or sell subsidized, as this Users only via or preset by them Services. Embodiments in which the relevant data cannot be changed at the same time an investment protection for the customers of the distributor of such a facility.

The above concept is also advantageous through an interface device, e.g. B. a modem  feasible, the special data for access to certain data providers or for changing the default Operating system parameters are then stored in the modem. Via a data line or connection to the computer the operating system parameters are changed in the computer. This can advantageously be started by starting an Program stored in modem memory, z. B. when activating the modem together with booting the Computer or each time the modem is accessed. However, for access to external data providers instead of changing the parameters in the Computer advantageously directly through the Interface-directed data can be manipulated to only access certain external data providers.

Another way of implementing the above Concept is a compact display and computer station that advantageously equipped with a radio interface is, so zuS, a portable miniature internet Access station can be built.

A method according to claim 24 with independent inventive meaning enables a combined user and topic-specific recording of Information data on the display of a user who accesses certain websites or the like. So can the user z. B. Additional information in a scroll bar be transmitted, which probably interests him. In particular, this enables targeted advertising.

Exemplary embodiments are described below with the aid of Drawing explained in more detail. Show it:

Fig. 1, a computer system with a network access through an internal interface device,

Fig. 2, a computer system with a network access via an external interface device,

Fig. 3 is a display system having a network access through an internal interface means and

Fig. 4 shows a memory arrangement for tables for assigning user preferences.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, an exemplary computer system consists of a computer 1 or a computer device, a display device 2 coupled thereto, e.g. B. a monitor or a flat screen, and a network access 3 to a network, a telephone provider or the like.

The computer 1 essentially has a memory device 10-13 with a memory with the BIOS 10 , a main memory 11 with the operating system 12 and an additional memory device 13 with a part of the operating system or an operating system extension. A central control device 14 (CPU), which is usually integrated in a processor chip, is used to control the computer 1 . An interface device 15 is used to connect to the network access 3 . The computer 1 is connected to the display device 2 via a display control device 16 . The connection can e.g. B. via a line, an infrared interface or a radio interface.

The individual devices and components within the computer are connected to one another via cables and / or a motherboard. The BIOS 10 is typically soldered onto the motherboard and is not flushable. In the preferred embodiment, the additional storage device 13 is specified in the BIOS 10 as the boot address. This is done e.g. B. by the fact that the additional storage device is bootable and is declared in the system as drive "C:" and is additionally referred by the BIOS to this boot drive "C:". A direct boot from a floppy disk or hard disk, as in the known computers, is excluded in the present exemplary embodiment.

In a less preferred, but still advantageous embodiment, a secondary boot address can be specified in the event that booting via the additional storage device 13 does not work due to a defect thereof. However, this would enable a relatively simple manipulation of the concept by destroying or removing the additional storage device 13 .

The additional storage device 13 comprises data which are required for booting and data and programs in order to be able to check and / or set certain operating system information. The additional storage device 13 of the preferred embodiment is also preferably soldered onto the main circuit board in order to be easily manipulated by e.g. B. difficult to remove or replace.

Alternatively, instead of being stored in the additional storage device 13 , the data can also be stored in the memory for the BIOS 10 or in another memory which cannot be changed or only partially changed by unauthorized persons.

Furthermore, such an additional storage device 13 can also on z. B. an ISA card can be provided, which in turn is inserted on the main board.

After switching on the computer 1 , the BIOS 10 controls the additional storage device 13 , which controls the further booting of the computer 1 . Before, during and / or to a certain extent also after starting and starting up the operating system, the additional storage device 13 checks or initializes whether or not certain parameters are set in the operating system. If this is not the case, the parameters are updated in accordance with the data in the additional storage device 13 . Alternatively, the parameters can be updated instead of being checked.

This allows the operating system, for. B. be preset so that only an access to certain external communication devices or addresses is made possible via the interface 15 . Parameters can e.g. B. in the case of a connection via a telephone line, access telephone numbers from one or more specific Internet providers. Also in. In the case of network connections, certain network addresses can be specified.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the parameters relate to the default settings for access to external communication devices. As "external" here a communication device or address is referred to, which is accessible via the interface 15 , even if it is z. B. is an address in an internal intranet.

Optionally, you can also check at boot whether before manipulation of the computer last shutdown Parameters were added to additional when restarted Expose options. Will be one Manipulation detected, so the added Data removed so that it doesn't after booting Are available.

It is particularly advantageous to set up the interface 15 for access to external communication devices in such a way that access to communication destinations newly set up after booting is only possible after a new boot. In connection with the previous check and, if necessary, deletion of newly set up communication targets, access to such targets can be prevented.

The interface or the modem optionally queries the additional storage device 13 for a connection request as to whether the requested connection is stored there. If not, the establishment of the requested connection is refused.

Instead of or in addition to presetting certain external addresses or connection numbers, presetting and / or presetting of a certain program can also take place. In the present embodiment, a program is automatically started that divides the display area on the display device 2 and / or access here z. B. controls certain Internet providers.

Alternatively, this can of course also be implemented as a hardware solution. Advantageously, the program or the display on the display device cannot be switched off or hidden by the user of the computer 1 .

In a first step, the program divides the screen memory for the display area 20 of the display device 2 and / or displays a so-called window in a specific area of the display area 20 . In the present case, the right display edge is occupied by an access bar 21 , the access bar 21 being divided into a large number of sub-areas. The lower surfaces are designed as activation surfaces 22 , which can be activated with a computer mouse or pre-assigned key combination and each have a pictogram (icon).

The pictogram is, for example, the logo of an internet provider, a bank or a dealer. When one of these activation areas 22 is activated, a connection to the home page (homepage) of the company shown on the pictogram is established. These activation areas 22 thus have the function of so-called "red links".

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the controlling program enables the selection of sub-pages to this home page, but not the change to pages whose home page is not stored in the access memory 13 or the program.

Instead of one. Multiple access bars 21 can also be displayed on the display surface 20 . The staggered arrangement of a plurality of access bars 21 with a cyclical appearance is particularly advantageous.

Other windows that can be preset in the area of the display surface 20 or faded in are z. B. window 23 for Internet or data exchange programs or for headlines 24 , which are also referred to as information tickers.

Experience has shown that only a small part of the line capacity is used with an existing data or Internet connection via network access 3 . Therefore, according to a particularly preferred embodiment, the use of free line capacities is used to regularly update information contents of the window 23 or the running headline 24 . In this case, the headline line 24 is preferably a one-line browser, which is displayed in the display area 20 with the most up-to-date information whenever an Internet connection exists or has existed.

In principle, the access contents of the additional storage device 13 can also be updated if the corresponding data are not stored in a read-only storage area. A safeguard against unauthorized changes to this data is e.g. B. possible by requesting the input of a password.

In the most preferred embodiment, however, the data for the fixed setting of the access bar 21 are in a non-rewritable memory area of the additional memory device 13 , e.g. B. stored a chip. As a result, the removal of the access bar 21 from the display area 20 and, with appropriate programming and / or storage in only readable memory areas, also the pictograms and addresses can generally be prevented.

In a second exemplary embodiment, as can be seen from FIG. 2, the computer system has a conventional PC 4 without an integrated interface, a display device 2 and an external interface device, a so-called modem 5 , for establishing a connection via the network access 3 .

When the modem 5 is activated, this controls the PC 4 according to one embodiment in such a way that the communication programs, e.g. B. Internet programs of the PC via the modem 5 only allow access to certain external communication devices and / or addresses, as described above in the first embodiment. In particular, areas of the display area 20 can also be blended with access strips 21 and windows 23 , 24 . For this purpose, the additional storage device 13 is preferably integrated in the modem 5 in the second exemplary embodiment. In a particularly simple embodiment, only the access addresses or numbers of the external communication devices are exchanged for permanently preset addresses in the modem 5 . As a result, the user of the PC 4 can use any communication programs with different preset addresses of certain external communication devices for establishing a connection, but automatically only ever reaches one external communication device preset in the modem 5 . Of course, several external addresses can also be released in the modem 5 .

According to the third exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a compact computer or communication system 6 comprises a housing with an integrated display surface 20 , interface 15 , memory devices 10-13 and central computer device 14 . An antenna 7 is used to exchange data via a radio interface. The internal structure and the mode of operation are essentially the same as in the first two exemplary embodiments. This compact communication system 6 is particularly advantageous since there are particularly few access options for a subsequent change in the preset parameters. A mini access station for Internet or communication services can also be provided.

In an embodiment with independent inventive significance, which is outlined in FIG. 4, an information storage arrangement 30 , 31 is provided in a computer for preferably but not necessarily two tables for assigning user advantages.

User data is stored in the first user table 30 (customer database) of the information storage arrangement 30 , 31 . In a first column there is the IP address under which a user logs on to the Internet and under which the user visits certain home pages, and optionally the user's personal data. In a second column there are information identification numbers (INFO-ID) for each user as the access ID for the second table 31. In the third column of the first table, the number of times the user visits this page or is saved for each information identification number accessed a page with the appropriate content.

In addition to the information identification number in a first column, the second information table 31 (info database) also includes an information text (INFO) in a second column, which can be imported into a running line 24 .

The information storage arrangement 30 , 31 is e.g. B. controllable via the central control device 14 (CPU) for write, read and assignment accesses. The information storage arrangement 30 , 31 can be located in the computer or computer of a home page owner, an Internet provider who manages such a home page, or an advertising specialist who manages such a home page or advertising measures of an Internet provider.

Each time a user accesses certain managed or registered pages in the system, their IP address is determined in a first step and a topic-specific note about the access is entered in the user table 30 for this IP address. If the user is not yet registered, his IP address will be created. Over time, increased user access creates a user-specific profile on topics preferred by the user.

In a second step it is checked which subject areas this user prefers. Information data on the most preferred or one or more of the most preferred topics are read out from the information table 31 . This information data is then read into a scroll bar 24 which appears on the display 2 of the user while the user is accessing certain registered pages. This method enables the user to be shown data in the scroll bar 24 or also in another display area 23 which the user is probably interested in.

Advantageously, during the import of such subject-specific data on the display 2 of the user, the imported data, the duration and / or the amount of information is registered, so that billing can take place between the system operator and an advertising partner, to which the imported data indicate. In the event that the information storage arrangement 30 , 31 is not located on a server computer of an Internet provider, the data can be transferred from the information storage arrangement 30 , 31 to such a server computer. The data is preferably stored there in a special memory area or additional memory 13 , as was described above with reference to FIGS. 1-3. This can prevent unauthorized over-storage or deletion.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of such a user- and topic-specific information management, a user profile can also be entered directly. To do this, users would have to provide data on their main areas of interest on a questionnaire or directly via z. B. Enter the Internet in the user table 30 .

Furthermore, the automatic deletion of users be performed. This can e.g. B. after a Predeterminable period of time without access by the Users. Instead of a user completely can also delete his entries on certain of him originally selected subject areas deleted become.

Instead of monitoring a user's access to certain pages can additionally or alternatively also a Monitoring of search terms is done by the user for entries in search engines.

Claims (30)

1. Computer ( 1 ; 4 ; 6 ) or data service access computer with

• - at least one computer device ( 14 ),
• - at least one storage device ( 10-12 ) for providing a boot information storage area ( 10 , BIOS) and a data read / write storage area ( 11 , 12 ), an operating system ( 12 ) in the storage device ( 10-12 ) stored to operate the computer,
• - At least one interface ( 15 ; 5 ) for exchanging data between the computer ( 1 ; 4 ; 6 ) or data service access computer and an external device ( 3 ), characterized by
• - A special memory area ( 13 ) with data for supplementing and / or exchanging certain data for the operating system ( 12 ), for a display device ( 2 , 20 ) and / or for the interface ( 15 ; 5 ).

2. Computer ( 1 ; 4 ; 6 ) or data service access computer according to claim 1, which is designed to supplement and / or exchange based on the data from the special memory area ( 13 ) before data exchange via the interface ( 15 ; 5 ). 3. Computer ( 1 ; 4 ; 6 ) or data service access computer according to claim 1 or 2, which is designed to supplement and / or exchange on the basis of the data from the special memory area ( 13 ) before, during and / or after booting. 4. Computer ( 1 ; 4 ; 6 ) or data service access computer according to claim 1 or 2, which is designed to remove and / or exchange user-installed data based on the data from the special memory area ( 13 ) before, during and / or after booting . 5. Computer ( 1 ; 4 ; 6 ) or data service access computer according to one of the preceding claims, in which the special memory area ( 13 ) contains data required for booting, in particular as a single or primary boot drive. 6. Computer ( 1 ; 4 ; 6 ) or data service access computer according to one of the preceding claims, in which the special memory area ( 13 ) is a pure read memory (area), in particular semiconductor read memory. 7. Computer ( 1 ; 4 ; 6 ) or data service access computer according to one of the. Claims 1-5, wherein the special memory area ( 13 ) is a pure read and a read / write memory (area), in particular semiconductor read memory. 8. Computer ( 1 ; 4 ; 6 ) or data service access computer according to one of the preceding claims, in which the special memory area ( 13 ) is arranged in an additional memory, in particular soldered-in semiconductor read-only memory. 9. Computer ( 1 ; 4 ; 6 ) or data service access computer according to one of the preceding claims, in which the special memory area ( 13 ) contains data for supplementing and / or exchanging in the form of programs, in particular a program for exchanging operating system data with data from the Special storage area ( 13 ). 10. Computer ( 1 ; 4 ; 6 ) or data service access computer according to one of the preceding claims, in which the special storage area ( 13 ) contains data for supplementing and / or exchanging in the form of communication service access addresses, in particular service provider telephone numbers and / or Internet addresses . 11. Computer ( 1 ; 4 ; 6 ) or data service access computer according to one of the preceding claims, in which the special memory area ( 13 ) contains data for supplementing and / or exchanging in the form of display device parameters. 12. Computer ( 1 ; 4 ; 6 ) or data service access computer according to claim 11, wherein the display device parameters parameters and / or programs for dividing screen areas ( 20 ), for showing activation elements ( 22 ) for activating access to programs or external devices and / or for showing at least one window for data communication with an external device and with predetermined communication parameters. 13. Computer ( 1 ; 4 ; 6 ) or data service access computer according to one of the preceding claims, in which the external device is a data and / or communication service, in particular a data provider and / or Internet provider. 14. Computer ( 1 ; 4 ; 6 ) or data service access computer according to one of the preceding claims, in which the display device ( 2 ; 20 ) has a display area with reserved areas for display elements which are defined by the data from the special memory area ( 13 ). 15. External interface ( 5 ) for a computer ( 4 ) or data service access computer according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the special memory area ( 13 ) with data for supplementing and / or exchanging certain data for the operating system ( 12 ) for a display device ( 2 , 20 ) is arranged in the external interface ( 5 ). 16. External interface ( 5 ) according to claim 15, which is designed to supplement and / or exchange certain data of the operating system ( 12 ) and / or for a display device ( 2 , 20 ) against data from the special memory area ( 13 ). 17. External interface ( 5 ) according to claim 15 or 16, which is designed to supplement and / or exchange certain data for establishing a data connection through the interface ( 5 ) against data from the special memory area ( 13 ). 18. Electronic component for a computer ( 1 ; 4 ; 6 ), a data service access computer or an external interface ( 5 ) for a computer ( 4 ), characterized by a special storage area ( 13 ) according to one of the preceding claims for the data to supplement and / or exchange of specific data for the operating system ( 12 ) and / or for a display device ( 2 , 20 ) in the external interface ( 5 ). 19. A method for controlling a computer ( 1 ; 6 ) or a data service access computer according to one of claims 1-17, characterized in that certain data of the operating system ( 12.) Before, during or after booting or before establishing a connection to an external communication device ), for a display device ( 2 , 20 ) and / or for the interface ( 15 ) with data from the special memory area ( 13 ) exchanged or supplemented by such. 20. The method according to claim 19, wherein at least part of the special storage area ( 13 ) is used as a boot drive. 21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, in which user-installed data is removed before, during and / or after booting or before data exchange via the interface ( 15 ; 5 ) and / or is exchanged for data from the special memory area ( 13 ). 22. The method according to any one of claims 19-21, in which access data and / or address data for external communication devices or service providers are exchanged for data from the special memory area ( 13 ) before or during a data exchange via the interface ( 15 ; 5 ). 23. The method according to any one of claims 19-22, in which when exchanging or supplementing the data for the display area ( 20 ) with data from the special memory area ( 13 ) areas of the display area ( 20 ) are pre-assigned for access to certain external communication devices or service providers. 24. A method for controlling a computer ( 1 ; 6 ) or a data service access computer, in particular according to claim 19 or 23, in which data are transmitted to an external user to at least one information page selected by the latter, with predeterminable additional information for display on the Display ( 2 ) of the user are also transmitted, characterized in that the additional information is selected in a user-specific manner before the transmission. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the information page is an intranet or website is. 26. The method of claim 24 or 25, wherein as additional information topic-specific information transmitted, in particular topic-specific advertising. 27. The method according to any one of claims 24-26, in which the additional information is displayed in a scroll bar ( 24 ). 28. The method according to any one of claims 24-27, in which A user accesses one or more specific Information pages or pages with specific Information held registered and user and can be saved according to topic. 29. The method according to any one of claims 24-28, in which Search terms of a user with certain Information held registered and user and subject-specific.   30. Storage arrangement for performing a method according to one of claims 24-29 for storing and Manage data with at least one table (30, 31) to assign user data (IP) to registered data Preferred topics for users (INFO-ID, INFO).