Method and apparatus for remote computer management using HTML in a web browser application and an internet server extension on an internet server API-compliant web server

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates generally to remote computer accessing, and, more particularly, to performing computer diagnostics and computer management using Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) in a Web Browser application along with an Internet server extension on an Internet server API-compliant web server.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Performing computer diagnostics and computer management are essential tasks for maintaining proper operation of computers. Modern computers have multiple complex hardware components that cooperate to perform computer operations. Integration of complex hardware and software in computers can result in several technical problems that compromise optimal performance of computers. Many times, a computer professional's services are required to remedy computer diagnostic problems.

[0006] Much of the consultations performed by computer experts are conducted via the telephone. Often, a computer user will communicate with a computer consultant over a telephone and run certain computer software and report back to the computer consultant. This can be a tedious as well as an inefficient process. Many times, the computer operator will not be familiar with the software and hardware details to properly advise the computer consultant of the problems at hand. The computer consultant is then forced to iteratively narrow down possible hardware or software problems.

[0007] Often, a computer consultant performs an on-site or off-site inspection of a computer that has been experiencing operational problems. Alternatively, a computer which is experiencing operational problems is taken off-site, to a computer consultant. Both of the options, on-site and off-site inspections, are very time-consuming and costly. Several diagnostic evaluations must be performed on a computer which is experiencing operational problems before a course of corrective actions is taken. One of tools utilized by computer experts is the execution of a diagnostic application. Generally, the execution of a diagnostic application initiates a series of tests on a computer system. Often the knowledge of an experienced computer technician is required to evaluate the results of the tests performed by the diagnostic application. Computer systems are generally complex and may host many peripheral devices that must cooperate properly. Consequently, software systems that analyze and diagnose computer systems are increasingly complex. Therefore, users who are not extensively trained in evaluation of computer systems are often unable to properly execute the computer diagnostic application.

[0008] Many times, attempts to evaluate and resolve computer problems over a telephone conversation are futile since the computer user may not be able to execute the computer diagnostic application and report back the results. Therefore, a site visit from a computer technician is often the only practical solution for some computer-related problems. The cost associated with a site-visit by a computer technician compounds the problems related to computer malfunction. Beyond the cost of the consultation from a computer technician, a delay due to the non-operation of the computer system while awaiting a site visit, could bring about additional productivity-related costs. A visit from a computer technician not only halts productivity before the technician arrives, productivity could be suspended while the technician performs tests, evaluation, and repairs on the computer system.

[0009] The present invention is directed to overcoming, or at least reducing the effects of, one or more of the problems set forth above.

[0010] In one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for performing remote system administration upon a standalone computer system, using a controlling computer system. A remote communication sequence is started. The remote communication sequence is used to initiate an HTTP request to a computer destination address. Communications between the controlling computer system and the standalone computer system is established by decoding the HTTP request. A diagnostic application on the standalone computer system is initiated using the established communication between the controlling computer system and the standalone computer system.

[0011] In another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is provided for performing remote system administration upon a standalone computer system, using a controlling computer system. The apparatus of the present invention further comprises: means for starting a remote communication sequence; means for using the remote communication sequence to initiate an HTTP request to a computer destination address; means for establishing communications between the controlling computer system and the standalone computer system by decoding the computer HTTP request; and means for initiating a diagnostic application on the standalone computer system using the established communication between the controlling computer system and the standalone computer system.

[0012] The invention may be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify like elements, and in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 is an illustration of one embodiment of the apparatus that facilitates the implementation of the present invention: a block diagram of a controlling computer system communicating with a standalone computer system using a remote communication protocol;

[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of the remote communications protocol described in FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a more detailed depiction of the communication system described in FIG. 2;

[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of the method of system administration by the controlling computer described in FIG. 1;

[0017] FIGS. 5a-5gillustrate one embodiment of a TCP/IP socket communication packet flow for the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of the diagnostic server application employed by the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of the implementation of the Internet Server Extension (ISAPI DLL) in the HTTP communication server relating to a skeleton control project using Microsoft® Visual C++AppWizard®;

[0020] FIGS. 8a-8dillustrate one example of the inspection of the hardware and software on a standalone computer, performed by Compaq Diagnostics® and reported over the Internet or Intranet, as implemented by the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates one example of the status check of a standalone computer, performed by Compaq Diagnostics® and reported over the Internet or Intranet, as implemented by the present invention; and

[0022] FIGS. 10a-10cillustrate one example of a screen display, in Compaq Diagnostics® software, that allows a user to perform remote testing of a standalone computer system, as implemented by the present invention.

[0023] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0024] Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0025] Turning now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a system that employs the present invention is illustrated. A standalone computer system 110 is electronically connected to a controlling computer system 120 through a remote communication protocol 130. The standalone computer system 110, in one embodiment, is a client computer system that is operational at a remote site, such as an office or a home. In one embodiment, the controlling computer system 120 is a computer controlled by a computer technician. Generally, the controlling computer system 120 is located at a remote office (not shown). In one embodiment, the standalone computer system 110 and the controlling computer system 120 may be comprised of a Macintosh system, a UNIX system, a PC system, a VAX system, a Work-station system, or any other system employed by those skilled in the art.

[0026] The remote communication protocol 130, in one embodiment, consists of a communication system that allows the controlling computer system 120 to perform system administration tasks upon the standalone computer system 110. One embodiment of the remote communications protocol 130 is illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0027] Turning now to FIG. 2, one embodiment of a more detailed depiction of the remote communication protocol 130 is illustrated. A communication platform 210 is electronically coupled to a communication server 220. The communication platform 210 includes a web browser application 215 for Intemet/Intranet communication. In one embodiment, the communication platform 210 and the communication server 220 are located in the controlling computer system 120. The communication server 220 facilitates data transfer between the standalone computer system 110 and the controlling computer system 120. The communication server 220 directs diagnostic controls from the web browser application 215 through a first through Nth diagnostic server application 240, 250, 260, and onto a first through Nth standalone computer system 270, 280, 290. In one embodiment, the Internet server extension for diagnostic control 230 is located within the controller computer system 120. The Internet server extension for diagnostic control 230 facilitates system administration tasks that are performed by the controlling computer system 120, upon the first through Nth remote standalone computer systems 270, 280, 290.

[0028] In one embodiment, the Internet server extension for diagnostic control 230 is electronically coupled with the first through Nth remote standalone computer systems 270, 280, 290. The first through Nth diagnostic server applications 240, 250, 260 are located within the first through Nth remote standalone computer system, respectively.

[0029] In one embodiment, communications between the controlling computer system 120 and the first through Nth remote standalone computer systems 270, 280, 290 are facilitated by a web browser, within the web browser application 215, in the communication platform 210. Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) format are employed by the present invention to facilitate communications between the controlling computer system 120 and the first through Nth remote standalone computer systems 270, 280, 290.

[0030] HTML is a set of “markup” symbols or codes inserted in a file intended for display on a World Wide Web browser. The markup tells the Web browser how to display a Web page's words and images for the user. HTML is defined in practice by both of the major Web browser developers, Netscape® and Microsoft®. Netscape® and Microsoft® are in the process of adding changes to their respective Web browsers, and more officially, for the industry through the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). A new version of HTML, called HTML4 has recently been officially recommended by the W3C, making this level an effective industry standard. However, both Netscape® and Microsoft® web browsers currently implement some features differently and provide non-standard extensions. Web developers using the more advanced features of HTML4 may have to design pages for both browsers and send out the appropriate version to the users. Significant features in HTML4 are sometimes described in general as dynamic HTML. The method and apparatus taught by the present invention can be implemented on different types of Web browser applications.

[0031] Generally, the controlling computer 120 addresses the first remote standalone computer system 270 through the first diagnostic server application 240 via the communication platform 210. Once communication is established between the controlling computer 120 and the remote standalone computer system 270, computer diagnostics can be performed. The Internet server extension for diagnostic control 230 controls a computer administration process that is capable of performing multiple status and diagnostic checks on remote standalone computer systems. In one example, the controlling computer system 120 will perform an overview status check on the remote standalone computers 270, 280, 290. Such a status will yield information such as remote standalone computer's processor type, the total memory in the remote standalone computer 270, peripheral devices that are interfaced with the remote standalone computer 270, etc. The controlling computer system 120 will be able to display a screen that is substantially similar to the screen that would be displayed if a local diagnostic application were to be executed locally on the remote standalone computers 270, 280, 290. The system administration performed on the first through Nth remote standalone computer systems 270, 280, 290 are performed in a similar manner.

[0032] Utilizing the remote communication protocol 130, the controlling computer system 120 can display a screen that list the status of the subsystems of the remote standalone computers 270, 280, 290, such as the status of input devices (not shown). These input devices include the keyboard, joystick, mouse, etc. Therefore, if a problem regarding any of the aforementioned subsystems is suspected, an operator using the controlling computer system 120 will be able to address the problem by accessing the status of the subsystems and narrowing down the list of possible causes of the problem. Furthermore, utilizing the remote communication protocol 130, an operator can test the internal memory of the remote standalone computers 270, 280, 290 by accessing their respective memory sections and testing them.

[0033] In one embodiment, one test performed on the internal memory of the remote standalone computers 270, 280, 290 includes performing a write and read back test. The write and read-back test includes writing certain values into the internal memory locations of the remote standalone computers 270, 280, 290 and then reading and verifying the values to insure that memory locations are functioning properly. Other remote diagnostic tests can be performed on the remote standalone computers 270, 280, 290 by utilizing the remote communication protocol 130 describe in the present invention.

[0034] Turning now to FIG. 3, a more detailed depiction of the communication system described in FIG. 2 is illustrated. The Internet server extension for diagnostic control 230 facilitates Winsocket® communication with the first remote standalone computer system 270. The first diagnostic server application 240, located within the first remote standalone computer system 270, sends and receives data to and from the Internet server extension for diagnostic control 230. When the first diagnostic server application 240 checks and confirms a data packet sent by the controlling computer 120 to the first remote standalone computer system 270, a communication link between the controlling computer 120 and the first remote standalone computer system 270, is established. Communications between the controlling computer system 120 and the second through Nth remote standalone computer systems 280, 290 are also performed in a similar manner.

[0035] The first through Nth remote standalone computers 270, 280, 290 contain a diagnostic application 330 that is accessible through the diagnostic server application 240. The first diagnostic server application 240 facilitates data transfer between a web browser application 215 and the first through Nth remote standalone computers 270, 280, 290. The diagnostic server applications 240, 250, 260, in conjunction with the web browser application 215, initiates and controls the diagnostic application 330 via an Internet or Intranet path.

[0036] The controlling computer system 120, which in one embodiment contains the web browser application 215, can gain access to the diagnostic applications 330 in the first through Nth remote standalone computers 260, 270, 280 through the communication path described above. Utilizing the software and hardware computer communication system described above, the controlling computer system 120 can perform system administration on the first through Nth remote standalone computers 260, 270, 280.

[0037] A block diagram of the method of system administration by a controlling computer system is illustrated in FIG. 4. Turning now to FIG. 4, the remote system administration described by the present invention is initiated by starting a remote communication sequence, as described in block 410.

[0038] In one embodiment, the controlling computer 120 initiates an HTTP request to a specific IP address. In one embodiment, the Internet server extension for diagnostic control 230 in the HTTP communication server 220 receives the request and sends a Winsocket® data packet to the diagnostic server applications 240, 250, 260. When the first diagnostic server applications 240 decodes the diagnostic command for the first remote standalone computer 270, an Internet/Intranet communication line is established between the controlling computer system 120 and the first remote standalone computer system 270. Communications between the controlling computer system 120 and the second through Nth remote standalone computer systems 280, 290 are facilitated in a similar manner.

[0039] In one embodiment, the remote communication protocol 130 is capable of employing an Internet Server Application Programming Interface (ISAPI). The ISAPI protocol is well known by those skilled in the art and have the benefit of the present invention. One example of the Internet Server Application Programming Interface (ISAPI) is a communication technology offered by Microsoft®. In one embodiment, the present invention employs an ISAPI Dynamic Link Library (DLL) application for the operation on the HTTP communication server 220, for Intemet/Intranet communications. Operations of DLL applications are well known by those skilled in the art and have the benefit of the present invention. In one embodiment, the ISAPI DLL application is operable on the Windows® NT Internet Information Server operating system.

[0040] ISAPI applications provide a simple and efficient method of facilitating communication to multiple ISAPI-compliant Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) servers located within the HTTP communication server 220. Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is the set of rules for exchanging files on the World Wide Web. The files exchanged under the HTTP guide-lines include text files, graphic image files, sound files, video files, and other multimedia files. Essential concepts that are part of HTTP include the idea that files can contain references to other files whose selection will elicit additional transfer requests. Generally, Web server machines contain, in addition to the HTML and other files it can serve, an HTTP daemon. The HTTP daemon is a program that is designed to wait for HTTP requests and handle them when they arrive. The Web browser is an HTTP client, sending requests to server machines. When the user of the Web browser enters file request by either “opening” a Web file by typing in a Uniform Resource Locator (URL), or clicking on a hypertext link, the Web Browser builds an HTTP request and sends it to the Internet Protocol address (IP address) indicated by the URL. The HTTP daemon in the destination server machine receives the request and, after any necessary processing, the requested information is returned.

[0041] Generally, Internet Server Applications (ISA) operate in the same address space as the HTTP servers. Furthermore, the ISA is capable of accessing all computer resources available to the HTTP servers located within the HTTP communication server 220. Internet Server Applications generally have low overhead (relating to computer resources) because they do not require the creation of additional processes. Furthermore, the ISA will consume low overhead because they generally do not perform time-consuming communications across process boundaries.

[0042] In one embodiment, the communication sequence facilitated by the communication server 220 incorporates the web browser application 310 and the Internet server extension (not shown). The communication sequence is further implemented by integrating the ISA platform (not shown) with a Microsoft® Windows Sockets® application programming interface (API). The Microsoft Windows® API is well known by those skilled in the art and have benefit of the present applications. The specifications of Windows Sockets®, known by those skilled in the art, are used to integrate the use of the API and the Internet Protocol Suite, generally referred to as TCP/IP, which is known to those skilled in the art. One embodiment of the TCP/IP socket communication packet flow is illustrated in FIG. 5athrough FIG. 5g.

[0043] As described in block 430 of FIG. 4, communications with the controlling computer system 120 and the standalone computer system 110 is established using the remote communication protocol 130 described in the present invention. In one embodiment, to establish communications between the controlling computer system 120 and the standalone computer system 110, two applications are used to implement TCP/IP communications. The first application is a server application. The server application monitors a specific TCP/IP port on a network for a launch request of the Compaq Diagnostics® and returns any requested result to the client. One embodiment of the server application is illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0044] The second application is a client application that locates the diagnostic application 330, such as Compaq Diagnostics®, in the first through Nth remote standalone computer systems 270, 280, 290. The diagnostic server applications 240, 250, 260 send requests to the diagnostic application 330 to gather hardware and software information and perform diagnostic tests. In one embodiment, the ISAPI server extension DLLs are developed to be loaded and called by the HTTP server (not shown). In one embodiment, users of the communication platform 210 can fill forms in the web browser applications 215 and engage a submit command to send data to the HTTP communication server 220, and invoke the ISA. The ISA can process the sent information to provide custom content. The HTTP communication server 220 can then use the received request to build web pages dynamically. The built web pages are sent to the communication platform 210 to be displayed.

[0045] In one embodiment, the diagnostic server applications 240, 250, 260 are generated using control development facilities built into Visual C++ and MFC, which are known by those skilled in the art and who have benefit of the present invention. An ISAPI DLL built program called the ISAPI Wizard®, is used to help create an MFC DLL program. In one embodiment, implementation of the Internet server extension in the client application is performed by creating a skeleton control project using Microsoft® Visual C++ AppWizard®, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0046] The diagnostic application 330, such as Compaq Diagnostics®, is initiated on the standalone computer system 110, as described in block 440 of FIG. 4. Utilizing the communication system described above, the controlling computer system 120 performs system administration on the standalone computer system 110, as described in block 450 of FIG. 4. The system administration tasks performed on the standalone computer system include inspection of the hardware and software, status checks, hardware tests, and asset management.

[0047] One example of inspection of the hardware and software in a standalone computer 110, performed by Compaq Diagnostics® and reported over the Internet or Intranet, is illustrated in FIG. 8. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the computer system type, the processor type, the storage device type, the software version are detected remotely, using the principles of the present invention. Computer information, such as the expansion bus and the current computer system speed, can be obtained by using the principles described in the present invention. One example of the information on a standalone computer 110, performed by the Compaq Diagnostics® application and reported over the Internet or Intranet, is illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0048] Many types of hardware and software tests can be performed upon a standalone computer 110 using the principles taught by the present invention. One example of a hardware test is to write to a certain register in the main Central Processing Unit (CPU), and read back the value in that particular register. If the data that was written in the CPU register is read back correctly, then the write/read test can be deemed successful. Other hardware tests, such as testing of computer peripherals, can be performed using the present invention. One example of a screen display, in the Compaq Diagnostics® application, that allows a user to perform remote testing of a standalone computer system 110, is illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0049] Other system administration tasks, such as asset management of computer peripherals, can be performed by implementing the present invention. Audit trails of peripherals in standalone computer systems 110, such as computer systems within a corporate office, can be performed to ensure that computer peripherals are not changed or displaced without authorization. Other system administration tasks can be performed by the implementing the principles taught by the present invention.

[0050] Once the desired system administration is performed on the standalone computer system 110, the remote diagnostic operation is terminated, as described in block 460 of FIG. 4. The remote diagnostic communication sequence is then terminated, as described in block 470 of FIG. 4. At this point, control of the standalone computer 110 is relinquished by the controlling computer system 120. The principles taught by the present invention may be utilized by one skilled in art and having the benefit of the present disclosure, to perform various computer-related tasks from a remote location.

[0051] The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the invention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the claims below.