Abstract: There is provided a system and method for managing connections between computers and a server pool. An exemplary system comprises a file configured to store a list of a plurality of servers in the server pool. The exemplary system further comprises a session distributor configured to distribute communication sessions among the plurality of servers by directing multiple requests for a common communication session to a specific one of the plurality of servers based on the list. The exemplary method includes selecting a server from a list of a plurality of servers stored in a file, selecting a port number, generating login information, and linking the server, port number, and login information such that multiple requests for a common communication session are directed to the server.

Abstract: A support system enables a support agent to assist a client to resolve a problem with a client electronic device provided with an Internet capability enabling communication between the device and a support service web application. A two-way communications link is provided between the agent and the same web application. Communication between the client and support agent is provided by a telephone link. Accessible by the device is a diagnostic and/or data harvesting engine which can diagnose and/or harvest data for transfer to the web application and which has access to a LAN software stack which enables the engine itself to establish communication with the web application without requiring user intervention and without requiring communication via a web server provided in the client's device.

Abstract: A support system is provided by which a support agent (10) can assist a user (12) to resolve a problem with a device (14). The support service provides a telephone link (32 ) between the user (12) and a support agent (10), a call initially being handled by an automated answering service (34) which invites the user (12) to prepare for the call by visiting a support website to run a preparation routine (112) which determines the configuration and state of the client's device (14). Once the data has been harvested,the web application (32) carries out a plurality of sub-routines to determine the operating conditions of the device (14). Where the problem can be corrected automatically, the web application (22) performs this directly. Where this cannot be done, the web application (22) stores the harvested data in memory (25) and provides the user (12) with a location code for that data. The user (12) can then contact the support agent (10) and provide the agent with the location code.

Abstract: Indications of user inputs with respect to a diagnostic image displayed on a display monitor are received to identify defective locations of the display monitor. Information is collected based on the received user inputs that identify defective locations of the display monitor.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for managing connections between computers and a server pool. An exemplary system comprises a file configured to store a list of a plurality of servers in the server pool. The exemplary system further comprises a session distributor configured to distribute communication sessions among the plurality of servers by directing multiple requests for a common communication session to a specific one of the plurality of servers based on the list. The exemplary method includes selecting a server from a list of a plurality of servers stored in a file, selecting a port number, generating login information, and linking the server, port number, and login information such that multiple requests for a common communication session are directed to the server.

Abstract: A docking station for a vehicle, the docking station being adapted to receive a portable computer, the docking station comprising mounting elements to mount the docking station in a vehicle, a holding element to hold a portable computer in engagement with the docking station, and a connection element to connect a portable computer in engagement with the docking station to a subsystem of the vehicle.

Abstract: A support system enables a support agent to assist a client to resolve a problem with a client electronic device provided with an Internet capability enabling communication between the device and a support service web application. A two-way communications link is provided between the agent and the same web application. Communication between the client and support agent is provided by a telephone link. Accessible by the device is a diagnostic and/or data harvesting engine which can diagnose and/or harvest data for transfer to the web application and which has access to a LAN software stack which enables the engine itself to establish communication with the web application without requiring user intervention and without requiring communication via a web server provided in the client's device.

Abstract: A docking station for a vehicle, the docking station being adapted to receive a portable computer, the docking station comprising mounting elements to mount the docking station in a vehicle, a holding element to hold a portable computer in engagement with the docking station, and a connection element to connect a portable computer in engagement with the docking station to a subsystem of the vehicle.

Abstract: A support system is provided by which a support agent (10) can assist a user (12) to resolve a problem with a device (14). The support service provides a telephone link (32) between the user (12) and a support agent (10), a call initially being handled by an automated answering service (34) which invites the user (12) to prepare for the call by visiting a support website to run a preparation routine (112) which determines the configuration and state of the client's device (14). Once the data has been harvested, the web application (32) carries out a plurality of sub-routines to determine the operating conditions of the device (14). Where the problem can be corrected automatically, the web application (22) performs this directly. Where this cannot be done, the web application (22) stores the harvested data in memory (25) and provides the user (12) with a location code for that data. The user (12) can then contact the support agent (10) and provide the agent with the location code.

Abstract: A method of detecting a non-virus component in a virus-protected computer system comprising identifying a software trace of the component and conveying the trace to the computer system as a virus pseudo-signature to allow detection of the component by the system's antivirus software.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus is described with a power provisioning system for powering the apparatus from an external power source, a power button connected to the power management control circuit for enabling a user to initiate transitions of the power provisioning system between at the first and second states, and an LED for providing a visual feedback to the user of the powered state of the computer; in which the LED is wired in series with a transistor to the standby supply output, the conducting state of the transistor being controlled directly by the power button so that the LED provides a direct visual feedback as to the state of the standby power supply output when the power button is actuated.