Abstract: A user interface on a controller for a gaming console that provides access to system software from within any gaming application running on the console. The system software runs concurrently with other gaming applications and renders a system user interface, system notifications, and messages on top of running gaming applications. The user interface can be added to any controller and other peripheral to access to the system menu such that users can have a uniform experience without requiring substantial effort by gaming application developers.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling users and developers to store data on a number of different types of local and remote devices connected to a multimedia console or a gaming console. The range of available storage devices creates issues that are addressed to avoid apparent inconsistencies in storage performance (e.g. latency). A consistent method of reading and writing data is provided such that end users and developers do not have to be concerned with restrictions and limitations inherent to various devices.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling access to a multi-purpose entertainment console are disclosed. The methods and systems allow a first user to configure the amount of time per time interval a console is available for other users to access the entertainment features of the console. In one embodiment, when a timer is activated, the timer counts down as the console is used. The console provides a series of notifications that the timer is running low and a notification when time has expired. The user may then turn off the console or ask the first user to add more time. In another embodiment, the timer can be configured with daily or weekly limits. In further embodiments, the timer and system clock may be protected by a security code to prevent tampering. In a further embodiment, the system clock can be referenced for the automatic daily/weekly time allocation to be allocated.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling users and developers to store data on a number of different types of local and remote devices connected to a multimedia console or a gaming console. The range of available storage devices creates issues that are addressed to avoid apparent inconsistencies in storage performance (e.g. latency). A consistent method of reading and writing data is provided such that end users and developers do not have to be concerned with restrictions and limitations inherent to various devices.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling users and developers to store data on a number of different types of local and remote devices connected to a gaming console, a multimedia console or a console that is both gaming and multimedia console. The range of available storage devices creates issues that are addressed to avoid apparent inconsistencies in storage performance (e.g. latency). A consistent method of reading and writing data is provided such that end users and developers do not have to be concerned with restrictions and limitations inherent to various devices.

Abstract: Communication between a game console having a communication port and a personal computer is facilitated by implementing a shared folder on the personal computer that can be accessed via the communication port. The game console and personal computer may communicate via a Server Message Block compatible code, a Universal Plug and Play networking protocol, and the like. To save memory, the SMB compatible code (or other code) may not support the full set of SMB protocol features (or other protocol features).

Abstract: Communication between a game console having a communication port and a portable device is facilitated by determining that a portable device has been directly connected to the communication port, determining the protocol associated with the portable device, and communicating with the portable device using a driver associated with the determined protocol. An ancillary application may handle the communication between the game console and the portable device while a game or entertainment application executes concurrently on the game console. The game application may execute in a reserved predetermined amount of hardware resources of the game console while the ancillary application may execute concurrently using the remaining hardware resources.

Abstract: A device includes a processor and a hard disk drive coupled to the processor. The hard disk drive stores various data associated with the device and includes a first partition and a second partition. Data stored in the first partition is cleared during a system reset operation. Data stored in the second partition is not cleared during the system reset operation. The first partition stores saved application data, device configuration information, and the like. The second partition stores a console application that implements a user interface to the device. The second partition also stores a reset application that implements a system reset operation.

Abstract: A device includes a processor and a hard disk drive coupled to the processor. The hard disk drive stores various data associated with the device and includes a first partition and a second partition. Data stored in the first partition is cleared during a system reset operation. Data stored in the second partition is not cleared during the system reset operation. The first partition stores saved application data, device configuration information, and the like. The second partition stores a console application that implements a user interface to the device. The second partition also stores a reset application that implements a system reset operation.

Abstract: A user interface on a controller for a gaming console that provides access to system software from within any gaming application running on the console. The system software runs concurrently with other gaming applications and renders a system user interface, system notifications, and messages on top of running gaming applications. The user interface can be added to any controller and other peripheral to access to the system menu such that users can have a uniform experience without requiring substantial effort by gaming application developers.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a hard disk drive for storing applications and other data. The hard disk drive has multiple regions for storing different types of data. Each application executed on the gaming system has an associated storage area on the hard disk drive. A console application executing on the gaming system prevents a particular application from accessing data in an area of the hard disk drive that is not associated with the particular application. The gaming system also maintains a list of recently used nicknames to simplify entry of nicknames by a user of the gaming system.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a hard disk drive for storing applications and other data. The hard disk drive has multiple regions for storing different types of data. Each application executed on the gaming system has an associated storage area on the hard disk drive. A console application executing on the gaming system prevents a particular application from accessing data in an area of the hard disk drive that is not associated with the particular application. The gaming system also maintains a list of recently used nicknames to simplify entry of nicknames by a user of the gaming system.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a hard disk drive for storing applications and other data. The hard disk drive has multiple regions for storing different types of data. Each application executed on the gaming system has an associated storage area on the hard disk drive. A console application executing on the gaming system prevents a particular application from accessing data in an area of the hard disk drive that is not associated with the particular application. The gaming system also maintains a list of recently used nicknames to simplify entry of nicknames by a user of the gaming system.

Abstract: A data protection portion includes the file alteration checking portion. One aspect of the file alteration checking portion relates to a media including game content and a data protection portion. In one version, the data protection portion protects the game content from modification by determining whether the game content has been modified. If the game content has been modified, then the installation of the game content within the apparatus fails.