Abstract: The present invention includes systems and methods for providing uniform settings for multiple resources in a client-server environment. In an example embodiment, configuration information for an IM client is stored at a remotely-located database coupled to an IM server. Thus, regardless of the resource used to access an IM account, the IM client at that resource will be configured according to the information stored at the remotely-located database. Also, configuration information for an email client may also be stored at the remotely-located database, thereby permitting uniform configuration of email clients using the information stored at the remotely-located database.

Abstract: A system for simplifying selection of security profile rules within a computer system utilizes a display device and a security application. The security application defines a list of security rules for locking down resources of a computer system and categorizes these rules into a plurality of categories. The security application displays at least one of these categories on a screen of the display device. When a user selects one of the categories, the security application determines which of the security rules are associated with the selected category and displays each of these associated security rules. The user then may enable ones of the displayed rule, and the security application, in response to an activation request, causes the computer system to enforce the enabled rules by modifying a machine state of the computer system.

Abstract: A system for recovering previously activated security profiles utilizes memory and a security application. Initially, the security application enables a user to define a first security profile. After defining the first security profile, the user submits a request for activating the first security profile, and in response, the security application modifies a machine state of the computer system. The modification of the machine state in response to this request locks down the computer system, thereby implementing the first security profile defined by the user. Also in response to the request for activating the first security profile, the security application stores, in the memory, data indicative of the machine state so that the first security profile can be again implemented at a later time, if desired.

Abstract: A security application protects a security profile of a computer system by detecting security settings of the computer system have changed. In this regard, the security application activates the computer system's security profile by controlling the security settings of the computer system based on user inputs. The security application then periodically monitors the security settings to ensure that none of the settings have changed since activation. If any of the security settings have changed, the security application automatically modifies the security settings in order to return the changed settings to their activation state. The security application then transmits a message to one or more users to alert the users of the detected change in the security settings.

Abstract: A system for providing security profile information to a user of a computer system utilizes memory and a security application. The security application displays a list of security rules for locking down resources of a computer system. A user then defines a security profile of the computer system by identifying which of the security rules should be enabled. If desired, the user may select any one of the displayed rules in order to obtain more information pertaining to the selected rule. In response, the security application displays more information describing the selected rule so that the user can make a better decision about whether the selected security rule should be enabled. Upon activation of the security profile, the security application modifies a machine state of the computer system to cause the computer system to begin enforcing the enabled security rules.