Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for handling updates. A database is queried to determine an effect of the update on the data processing system in response to detecting an update for the data processing system. A configuration of the data processing system is used in querying the database. A health status of the data processing system is selectively modified using the response to form a modified health status in response to receiving a response from the database.

Abstract: A plurality of data packets encoded according to a first protocol are received which encapsulate data encoded according to a second protocol. A first source address is extracted from the packets according to the first protocol, it is determined whether or not the first source address is a substantial duplicate of a known assigned address. If it is a duplicate, a second source address is extracted from the encapsulated data according to the second protocol, and the first source address and said second source address are provided in an enhanced error log so that a system administrator may correct the duplicate assigned address. Enhanced embodiments of the invention included analysis of data encapsulated by a third, fourth and subsequent protocols, and automatic determination of each protocol encoding format.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tracing troubleshooting events for aiding technical assistance personnel are provided. With the method and apparatus, a user initiates a technical assistance tracing mechanism on his/her client device. The technical assistance tracing mechanism includes event listeners that are registered with the operating system of the client device. These event listeners are notified when, for example, an input device event occurs, when a graphical user interface event occurs, and the like. These events are recorded by the technical assistance tracing mechanism of the present invention as a log of events. This log of events may then be provided to a computing device which is being used by the technical assistance specialist for use in diagnosing and curing the problems encountered by the user. An automated tool may be provided for analyzing the event log and/or emulating an operating system environment so that the event log may be replayed in a graphical manner.