4 Summary of the HP/Phoenix BIOS

Power Saving and Ergonometry

The time-out period is the delay during which the power-down command can be cancelled (whilst the About to shut down Windows message is displayed on the screen). If the user cancels, the computer is returned to normal operation; otherwise, the computer goes on to check if there are any unsaved files. If there are, it offers three choices: yes (to saving the unsaved changes, followed by shutdown), no (thereby shutting down without saving the changes), and cancel (to return to normal operation).

Remote Power-On (RPO)

Remote power-on(RPO) provides a way to turn on the computer from a communication channel, such as a Network or Modem, using facilities that have been incorporated in the Little Ben chip and the ExtStart connector. It allows system administrators, and authorized users, switch on the computer from anywhere over an Ethernet network, perform remote administration or other tasks, and return it to Off or Suspend mode afterwards.

Magic Packet

Magic packet is a standard for remote power-on and remote wake-up developed by HP and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD). The standard defines a Magic Packet frame as the computer’s unique Ethernet Media Access Control (MAC) address (which it has stored in an EEPROM on the network board), repeated 16 times and encoded in a valid network packet.

Any Magic Packet-compatible management application (such as HP Open- View Workgroup Node Manager) can send a Magic Packet frame. An administrator can do this manually, or can incorporate it into a management script.

The packet travels over any type of Ethernet LAN to the target PC.

The only component not completely off in the computer is the network chip, which rests in a special low power mode. Power is supplied by a line called VStandby, on the ExtStart connector, whose pin layout is shown in the table on page 58, as long as the power cord is plugged in. The independent mini power supply provides the power necessary to keep one part of the network chip ready to receive a wake-up signal (see page 15 for electrical specifications). This is the only signal it can respond to in this state.

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HP Vectra VL 5/xxx 5 manual Remote Power-On RPO, Magic Packet
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Vectra VL 5/xxx 5 specifications

The HP Vectra VL 5/xxx was a series of desktop personal computers introduced by Hewlett-Packard in the mid-1990s. These machines were designed for both business and professional environments, making them suitable for a range of applications from basic office tasks to more demanding computing needs. This series played a significant role in HP's efforts to strengthen its market presence in the PC sector during a time when competition was intensifying.

One of the standout features of the HP Vectra VL 5/xxx line was its versatility. The series included various configurations designated by the '5/xxx' nomenclature, which indicated different performance levels and specifications. The performance was driven primarily by Intel Pentium processors, widely acclaimed for their reliability and efficiency. This allowed users to choose a model that suited their specific requirements, whether for everyday tasks or more resource-intensive applications.

In addition to its strong processing capabilities, the Vectra VL 5/xxx featured advanced graphics support, which was critical for visual applications and presentations. Many units in this series came equipped with onboard graphics capabilities that supported a range of resolutions, enhancing the user experience in both standard office environments and more creative settings.

Storage options were another highlight of the HP Vectra VL 5/xxx series. The machines typically featured a variety of hard drive configurations, allowing for ample data storage. Some models included the option for expanding storage through additional hard drives or external devices. Coupled with considerable RAM options, these machines ensured smooth multitasking and efficient performance across various applications.

Connectivity was also a core aspect of the Vectra VL 5/xxx. The systems typically included multiple USB ports, parallel and serial ports, and integrated networking capabilities. This made it easy for businesses to integrate the Vectra machines into their existing infrastructure, facilitating seamless interaction with peripherals and networks.

In terms of design, the HP Vectra VL 5/xxx series presented a robust yet compact form factor, which was ideal for office environments with limited space. Additionally, HP emphasized the reliability and serviceability of these machines, which included easy access to internal components for maintenance and upgrades, thereby extending the product life cycle.

Overall, the HP Vectra VL 5/xxx line offered a balanced combination of performance, flexibility, and reliability, making it a solid choice for organizations looking to leverage computing power for a range of professional applications. The series embodied HP's commitment to delivering quality and innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of personal computing.
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