Information recording apparatus

A method of operating an information apparatus, the information apparatus being configured to be coupled to a server, the information apparatus including a storage device to store data and a host device coupled to the storage device,

• the storage device including:
• a first storage that stores a first program including a program for authentication with the server, the authentication using authentication information input by a user;
• a second storage that stores a second program;
• a third storage that stores an operating system;
• a fourth storage that stores arbitrary data;
• and
• a fifth storage that stores first information indicating whether or not at least one of the third storage and the fourth storage is locked,
• the host device including a processor programmed to execute the first program, the second program, and the operating system, the processor being programmed to cause the storage device to transmit at least the first program to the host device and to execute at least the first program before executing the operating system when the information apparatus is started up,
• the method comprising:
• when the information apparatus is started up,
• transmitting at least the first program to the host device;
• executing at least the first program before executing the operating system;
• receiving the authentication information input by a user;
• authenticating with the server using the authentication information;
• permitting the host device to access at least one of the third storage and the fourth storage upon the authentication succeeding;
• and
• executing the operating system.

An information apparatus to be coupled to a server, comprising:

• a storage device;
• and
• a host device coupled to the storage device,
• the storage device comprising:
• a first storage that stores a first program, the first program including a program for authentication with the server;
• a second storage that stores an operating system;
• and
• a third storage that stores first information indicating whether or not the second storage is locked,
• the host device comprising:
• a processor programmed to execute the first program and the operating system,
• wherein,
• when the information apparatus is started up and the first information indicates that the second storage is locked,
• the processor is programmed to execute the first program before executing the operating system, and
• if the authentication succeeds, the storage device unlocks the second storage and the processor is programmed to execute the operating system.

A storage device to be coupled to a host device, the host device being to be coupled to a server and including a processor programmed to control the storage device, comprising:

• a first storage that stores a first program, the first program including a program for authentication with the server;
• a second storage that stores an operating system;
• and
• a third storage that stores first information indicating whether or not the second storage is locked,
• wherein,
• when the storage device is started up and the first information indicates that the second storage is locked,
• the storage device is caused, by the programmed processor, to transmit the first program before transmitting the operating system to the host device , and
• if the authentication succeeds, the storage device unlocks the second storage and is caused, by the programmed processor, to transmit the operating system to the host device.