Abstract: A method, system, software and signal wherein a subset of program information for related programs is maintained with program information for a given program. The program information for the given program, including the subset of program information for related programs, can be maintained in an electronic program guide (EPG). A system can use the information in the EPG to schedule and perform program events automatically, or information can be provided to users so that the users can manually schedule or perform program events.

Abstract: A modem speaker is activated and deactivated based on a user modifiable schedule. The user stores schedule information in a schedule table, the schedule information describing a modem setting and a time for that setting to take effect. An automatic scheduler programs either the system clock or a clock device associated with the modem with the interrupts. When each interrupt issues, it generates a modem control command to turn the modem speaker either on or off by controlling whether or not audio signals are sent to the speaker. Alternatively, each time the modem is accessed, the automatic scheduler checks the schedule to see if audio signals should be provided to the speaker. A user may override the automatic scheduler at any time. By using the scheduler, a user can identify time periods when the modem speaker is deactivated without having to remember to turn off the speaker, and have the speaker activated during all other periods with having to remember to turn the speaker back on.

Abstract: An integrated drive panel for a peripheral/drive bay within the case of a computer or like electronic device comprises a cover assembly having an integral EMI shield. The integrated drive panel does not require removal of the front bezel of the computer case or access to the peripheral/drive bay from inside the computer case during installation and removal.

Abstract: A computer pointing device employs memory for the storage of data allowing information to be copied from one computer to another without the need for a network or removable media such as a floppy disk. In a first aspect, the pointing device may be linked to multiple computers wherein the connection to the pointing device may be toggled from one computer to another. The connection method may be via a cabled interface or wireless interface, such as a radio frequency link. In a second aspect, the device may by physically moved from one computer to another. In a preferred embodiment, the pointing device is a universal serial bus device.

Abstract: Oral instructions for setting up a system of speakers are provided in a setup speaker. The setup speaker audibly plays the instructions and is powered by a battery or external power source. Oral indications of successful connections and completion of the setup are provided. The language of the instructions is also selectable.

Abstract: An event notification system is described. The system comprises a computer having a CPU and memory and which executes an operating system operative to manage computer programs and wherein the programs generate events, a notification controller connected to the computer and operative to detect the generated events, a notification transceiver communicatively connected to the notification controller and capable of transmitting a message containing data on the event, and a portable transceiver including a notifier for receiving the message.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of providing a known-good configuration for a computer, comprising storing a known-good computer configuration and restoring the known-good configuration via non-interactive user input. The configuration includes in various embodiments hardware and software configuration parameters. The known-good configuration is stored in some embodiments in computer storage such as a hard disc drive, and is loaded from storage upon restoration of the configuration. The non-interactive user input of some embodiments is a protected switch, hot key combination of keyboard keys, or is a special-purpose key or switch. The configuration is determined to be a known-good configuration to be stored in various embodiments by user determination that a configuration is good, by computer determination that the configuration is good based on a predetermined period of successful computer operation, or via other similar methods that suggest a proper configuration.

Abstract: An automatic channel generator and a method for generating a channel based upon the utilization of a device and activities occurring on the device. A device is connected to a local network hub, which may be integral to an information appliance. The information appliance is capable of searching the Internet for data associated with media being delivered by a device on the local network system. The aggregates of content can be collected automatically, and its presentation may be customized by a user.

Abstract: An information handling system having an integrated internal scalable switching storage system is disclosed. The information handling system includes a housing, a processor disposed in the housing and a memory device for storing a program of instructions executable by the processor. A bus of the information handling system is disposed in the housing, and the processor and the memory are coupled to the bus. A host bus adapter is coupled to the bus and is disposed in the housing. An information storage system is in turn coupled to the host bus adapter and is also disposed in the housing. The information storage system includes a backplane for coupling at least one information storage device to the host bus adapter. The information storage system and host bus adapter are preferably compliant with a scalable, switching, mass storage system standard such as Fiber Channel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of building a custom software configuration, which may include receiving a first customer order for a first information handling system and a second customer order for a second information handling system. The first customer order including a first list of hardware configuration components and a first list of software configuration components and the second customer order including second list of hardware configuration components and a second list of software configuration components. At least one of the first list of hardware configuration components is different from the second list of hardware configuration components and the first list of software configuration components is different from the second list of software configuration components.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method of restoring an information handling system utilizing a restore medium and a network storage medium. In a first aspect of the present invention, a method of restoring an information handling system utilizing a restore medium to provide software components over a network includes accessing the restore medium by the information handling system and loading a first set of software components capable of supplying data suitable for making the information handling system operational. A connection is initiated with a network storage medium over a network, the connection initiated by a program of instructions included on the removable medium. A second set of software components are received from the network storage medium over the network connection, wherein the second set of software components is suitable for at least one of updating the first set of software components and providing a software component not included on the removable medium.

Abstract: An entertainment system has a personal computer as the heart of the system with a large screen VGA quality monitor as the display of choice. The system has digital satellite broadcast reception, decompression and display capability with multiple radio frequency remote control devices which transmit self identifying signals and have power adjustment capabilities. These capabilities are used to provide context sensitive groups of keys which may be defined to affect only selected applications running in a windowing environment. In addition, the remote control devices combine television and VCR controls with standard personal computer keyboard controls. A keyboard remote also integrates a touchpad which is food contamination resistant and may also be used for user verification. Included in the system is the ability to recognize verbal communications in video signals and maintain a database of such text which is searchable to help identify desired programming in real time.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a USB hub with soft select ports. A universal serial bus (USB) hub suitable for indicating a user-selectable number of ports may include a universal serial bus (USB) hub suitable for facilitating universal serial bus (USB) communication between a host and a device. A register suitable for storing an actual port value indicating a number of universal serial bus (USB) ports connected to the universal serial bus (USB) hub may be included, the actual port value suitable for being changed by a user.

Abstract: A stackable pass-through signal connector comprises an array of first connection elements and an array of second connection elements. The second connection elements are physically aligned with the array of first connection elements, and the second connection elements are, operable to electrically couple with first connection elements of another stackable non-shared signal connector. Interconnections between the first connection elements and the second connection elements connect first connection elements that are electrically offset from the second connection elements of the stackable non-shared signal connector.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing access to a drive opening of a disk drive or unauthorized removal of a disk from the disk drive opening. The system comprises a drive having a drive opening and a disk tray movable between a retracted position preventing access to the opening and extended position allowing access to the opening. A software or hardware security module prevents the disk tray from being moved to the extended position to prevent access to the drive opening. The method for preventing a disk from being removed from a drive includes determining whether the disk is in the drive, determining whether a correct password has been entered, and preventing ejection of the disk by an ejector based upon those determinations.

Abstract: A digital information appliance comprises a housing having a display disposed on a first surface for displaying information to a user of the digital information appliance and an input device disposed on a second surface opposed to the first surface for imputing information. The input device is oriented with respect to the display so as to be operable by the fingers of the user's hand for input of information while holding the housing so the display is viewable.

Abstract: A graphical user interface, system, signal, and software providing an electronic program guide including one or more windows having program scheduling information arranged by a single network. Each network's program scheduling information is accessed through the use of a view list and contains a week's worth of program scheduling information. The program scheduling information is controlled by a single scroll bar and may also provide only information for programs that recur on a periodic basis.

Abstract: A method for processing data contains links to information in a data browsing system, thereby providing user control over link activation behavior. As data is received, it is parsed to identify a link. Link-option data is then generated and inserted into the received data, such that a user may retrieve the information identified by the link in response to selection of the link-option data independent of retrieving the information in response to selection of the link. For example, the link-option data may be capable of retrieving the information for display in a current presentation instance, in a separate presentation instance overlaid upon the current presentation instance, in a separate presentation instance side-by-side with the current presentation instance, or in a separate presentation instance with minimization of the current presentation instance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting plug types capable of being inserted into a socket includes a processor, a housing having a plug receiving cavity for one or more plug types including a proper and improper plug type. Actuators are associated with the housing, and are coupled to switches electrically coupled to the processor. A first actuator is capable of contacting the proper and improper plug type and a second actuator is capable of contacting only the proper plug type. Switches may provide a signal to the processor when the improper and proper plug type has been plugged into the socket.

Abstract: An EMI/RFI shield for gaps in cases of electronic systems is disclosed that includes a case, a component mounted on the case, and a string positioned between the component and the case. The string includes a longitudinal element and a plurality of conductive filaments transversely mounted on the longitudinal element. The invention also contemplates a method of reducing radiation from a case housing at least one electronic component and having an opening formed therein with a perimeter. The method includes positioning a string having transverse conductive filaments along at least a portion of the perimeter of the opening, and installing the electronic component adjacent to the opening in the case with the string being positioned between the component and the case adjacent to the perimeter of the opening.