SYSTEM UPDATE PROTOCOL AND BOOTABLE CD CONTROLLER

摘要

A system update protocol. A software update is packed into a packed file (item 104 of fig. 1), which packed file includes a unique signature. The packed file is uploaded from a trusted client computer (100) to the network printer (102). The integrity of the packed file is automatically checked on the network printer by performing a checksum and signature comparison (130) to ensure the packed file is transmitted correctly (132). The packed file is resent (140 to 118) when the packed file is determined to be corrupt. The packed file is unpacked into a predetermined directory structure of unpacked files. The client computer then signals (154) the network printer cause installation (150) of the software update on the network printer. In another embodiment, the printer controller includes one or more non-volatile memory elements for storing print/fax/scan data and printer controller system parameters. The printer controller is bootable from the non-volatile storage medium, such as a CD-ROM or other removable type data disc.