Method for servicing and upgrading a data processing system

Abstract

Disclosed is a data processing system architecture, as may be employed in a digital video security system, that provides easy identification of system components such as system and video data hard drives through physical position and orientation, through color and identifying markings, and through keyed locking mechanisms. A component-mounting fixture disposed in a cabinet provides bays for removable accommodation of component trays containing hard drives or other system components. Component trays may be hot pluggable. The cabinet may be rack mounted or free standing. Component trays provide sufficient room that a circuit card and/or connector(s) may be affixed thereto and provide connection, signal conditioning, and format translation of component signals. A lock knob on the component tray secures the component tray in a bay and a lock knob stay may be employed to restrict lock knob movement and may also serve as a handle for component tray removal.

1 . A method of upgrading a data processing system having a plurality of replaceable components accessible from a front portion of a cabinet containing said data processing system comprising: 
 supplying a user with a replacement system data storage device disposed in a component tray containing system software for said data processing system;    removing power from said data processing system;    identifying the system data storage device of said data processing system as the replaceable device accessible from the front portion of the cabinet of said system that has a different orientation than any other replaceable device accessible from the front portion of said cabinet of said system;    removing said system data storage device;    installing said replacement system data storage device into the position vacated by said system data device; and    turning power on to said data processing system.    
   
   
       2 . A method of upgrading a data processing system having a plurality of replaceable components accessible from a front portion of a cabinet containing said data processing system comprising: 
 supplying a user with a replacement data storage device disposed in a component tray;    identifying an installation location for said replacement data storage device as a location having the same orientation as a plurality of other replaceable devices and for which a corresponding indicator is not illuminated;    removing a data storage device from said installation location if a data storage device is installed in said location; and    inserting said replacement data storage device into said installation location.