Computer system with non-volatile write-protected memory based operating system and secure system architecture

摘要

A method and apparatus for an instantly-on computer system is presented. A computer that incorporates fast non-volatile primary memory for storing the operating system, resulting in an instant-on or instant-booting of the computer. Large parts of the operating system code and application code are stored in non-volatile write-protectable areas that cannot be modified by malicious sources, resulting in a secure computer. It solves the problem from typical computers having to load the operating system and applications from a slow device such as the hard disk to the main memory. This loading is avoided by permanently housing the operating system in a non-volatile main memory. The system also solves the problem of corruption of operating system areas from malicious sources. The memory contains writeable and write-protected areas and a memory controller controls the access to the various regions of the memory.