Abstract: A system (24, 44, 52) for compiling and reporting network information to a user of a network (10) comprises a user interface (32) for receiving a network information request from the user. An automated information compiler (44) receives the network information request from the user interface (32) and compiles network information in response to the network information request. A report generator (34) receives the compiled network information from the information compiler (44) and generates a report in response to the compiled network information.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for obtaining network information in a computer network. The invention allows application programs to obtain computer network information using programming language independent dynamic link library functions. The method of the invention comprises generating a call to a dynamic link library function from an application program running on a client computer in a computer network. The call requests some information about the computer network and that information is resident on a server computer. A dynamic link library function interprets the call and generates a network application program interface call. After receiving network information in response to the network application program interface call, the dynamic link library function processes the network information and returns the processed information to the application program.

Abstract: A method for loading a software application for use at a client node (24, 30) of a network (12, 14) includes activating a program loader system (48) at the client node (24, 30). A user-specific software application setup file (56) is then transmitted from a file server (22, 28) to the client node (24, 30).

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for automated reconfiguration of a client computer or user profile in a computer network. The invention allows a user to automatically reconfigure a client computer or user profile using computer software running on the client computer. The method of the invention comprises presenting a user of the client computer with a number of reconfiguration options using a user interface. The user may then select one or more of the reconfiguration options using the user interface. After receiving the user's input, a script is executed corresponding to the user's selection wherein the script causes a reconfiguration of the client computer or user profile.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically synchronizing a target and source directory in a computer system are provided. The system (8) includes a first file directory (32) which has a first plurality of files (33). A second file directory (70) has a second plurality of files (71). A directory synchronizer (14) sequentially selects one of the first plurality of files (33), determines whether one of the second plurality of files (71) is substantially similar to the selected one of the first plurality of files (33), and copies the selected one of the first plurality of files (33) into the second file directory (70) if no similar file is found.

Abstract: A method for providing pager services to users of a computer network (10) is presented. The method includes the step of sending pager address data and pager message data from a client node (14) on a computer network (10) to a primary pager server (40) on the computer network (10). The primary pager server (40) converts the pager address data into operating instructions for an external communications medium interface device, and communicates with a pager system via the external communications medium interface device. The primary pager server (40) then sends the pager message data to the pager system using the external communications medium interface device.