1. A method of automatically maintaining configuration information of a replaceable electronic module, comprising: receiving an indication that the replaceable electronic module has been installed; receiving from the replaceable electronic module first configuration information related to capabilities of the replaceable electronic module to utilize permitted portions of its hardware or to execute permitted software; and storing at least some of the received first configuration information in a first persistent memory that is not on the replaceable electronic module and that is thereafter accessible by a replaceable electronic module manager regardless of whether the replaceable electronic module remains installed or is subsequently uninstalled.