Abstract: Techniques are presented for configuring multiple client devices to connect to a network device (e.g., a wireless router). In one embodiment, a setup application executing on one of the client devices determines if the network device has previously been configured. For example, the network device may broadcast a predefined network name to advertise that a user access point has been configured. If the polling setup application detects the predefined network name, then it can skip any steps that would configure the network device. Accordingly, the setup application only configures the client device to connect to the network device.

Abstract: Techniques are presented for discovering a previously configured network device. In one embodiment, a basic service set identification (BSSID) that uniquely identifies a network device (i.e., a router) is saved when the network device or a client device is configured. The stored BSSID indicates that the network device has previously been configured. After the network device is reset—i.e., one or more user-configurable settings return to their default settings—a client device may execute a setup application to reconfigure the network device. The setup application may compare the BSSID being broadcasted by the network device with the BSSID stored in the memory. If the BSSIDs match, the setup application may automatically select the network device without user input. Because the network device was previously configured, the setup application assumes that the user is attempting to reconfigure the network device after it has been reset.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for outputting an audio indication in response to a temporary alteration in an Internet connection in an effort to more effectively notify users of the current connection situation are provided. In this manner, users are more likely to be notified of the temporary alteration in Internet connectivity, thereby potentially avoiding any adverse effects caused by such alteration, especially in applications that rely on constant Internet connectivity. These applications may include security surveillance, medical monitoring, and the like.

Abstract: Techniques are presented for configuring multiple client devices to connect to a network device (e.g., a wireless router). In one embodiment, a setup application executing on one of the client devices determines if the network device has previously been configured. For example, the network device may broadcast a predefined network name to advertise that a user access point has been configured. If the polling setup application detects the predefined network name, then it can skip any steps that would configure the network device. Accordingly, the setup application only configures the client device to connect to the network device.

Abstract: Techniques are presented for discovering a previously configured network device. In one embodiment, a basic service set identification (BSSID) that uniquely identifies a network device (i.e., a router) is saved when the network device or a client device is configured. The stored BSSID indicates that the network device has previously been configured. After the network device is reset—i.e., one or more user-configurable settings return to their default settings—a client device may execute a setup application to reconfigure the network device. The setup application may compare the BSSID being broadcasted by the network device with the BSSID stored in the memory. If the BSSIDs match, the setup application may automatically select the network device without user input. Because the network device was previously configured, the setup application assumes that the user is attempting to reconfigure the network device after it has been reset.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, method, and computer-readable media are provided for generating a document preview. According to one method, a preview handler is provided that exposes interfaces that may be called by a host application to generate a document preview without launching the application program that created the document. The interfaces exposed by the preview handler provide a common framework that may be utilized by both operating system and application program hosts to provide document previews.

Abstract: A method for removing some or all metadata from files during copying or moving. Metadata management software may register with an operating system and be called to remove metadata crossing a trust boundary, such as going from a local hard drive to a file share.

Abstract: A method for removing some or all metadata from files during copying or moving. Metadata management software may register with an operating system and be called to remove metadata crossing a trust boundary, such as going from a local hard drive to a file share.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, method, and computer-readable media are provided for generating a document preview. According to one method, a preview handler is provided that exposes interfaces that may be called by a host application to generate a document preview without launching the application program that created the document. The interfaces exposed by the preview handler provide a common framework that may be utilized by both operating system and application program hosts to provide document previews.