System-management features

This section describes the system-management features provided by your computer.

Your computer has features that make it possible for a network administrator to manage and control it remotely over a network from a management console when it is connected to the docking station.

These features are:

The following sections tell you more about the functions and the software that provides these functions.

Intel WfM full support

Your computer supports the Wired for Management (WfM).

Those functions are:

System Management BIOS Reference Specification (SMBIOS) Version 2.2

The basic input/output system (BIOS) of your computer supports an interface called System Management BIOS Reference Specification (SMBIOS) Version 2.2. The SMBIOS provides some of the hardware component information. It is the responsibility of the BIOS to supply this database with information about itself and the devices on the system board. The SMBIOS Specification documents the standards for accessing this BIOS information.

Remote program load (RPL)

The remote program load (RPL) enables a network administrator to remotely control your computer. RPL enables your computer to start directly from a server over a LAN that has been configured for RPL. Network-management software, such as IBM LANClient Control Manager (LCCM), is required for you to take advantage of RPL.

Preboot eXecution Environment (PXE)

Preboot eXecution Environment (PXE) technology enhances your PC's manageability by providing the capability to boot (load an operating system or another executable image) from a server. Your computer supports the PC functions that PXE requires. For example, your computer can be booted from the PXE server if it is attached to a docking station with PXE enabled.

Wake on LAN

Wake on LAN can be used by a network administrator to turn on your computer from a management console. When Wake on LAN is used with such network management software as LANClient Control Manager (LCCM) and Netfinity, many types of functions, such as data transfer, software updates, and Flash (POST/BIOS) updates can be performed remotely without remote attendance. This updating can be done after normal working hours and on weekends, which saves time and increases productivity. Users are not interrupted during normal working hours, and LAN traffic is kept to a minimum.

If you dock your computer to a docking station, you can use the Wake on LAN function.

The Wake on LAN function is valid only when both your computer and the docking station are powered off.

If your computer is powered on by the Wake on LAN function, the Automatic Power On Startup Sequence is used. For more information, Automatic power-on startup sequence.

Waking up from suspend mode by an incoming call

If your computer is connected to a telephone line and Resume on incoming call has been selected, your computer will resume from suspend mode when there is an incoming (telephone) call. The system administrator can resume operation on your computer and communicate remotely through a modem.

To enable your computer to wake up from suspend mode, do the following from Windows 98 or Windows 95:

  1. Open the ThinkPad Configuration program.

  2. Click Power Management and then Resume option.

  3. Select the Resume on incoming check box.

Asset ID EEPROM

The Asset ID EEPROM contains information about the system including its configuration and the serial numbers of key components. It also includes a number of blank fields you can record with your choice of end user information.