Abstract: In some embodiments, a method of transmitting information between two or more entities in a network includes a computer system in the network receiving one or more selection criteria from a first entity in the network. The method further includes the computer system determining one or more other entities in the network associated with the received selection criteria. The method still further includes the computer system communicating information at least partially describing the determined entities to the first entity. The method still further includes the computer system receiving an entity selection from the first entity. The method still further includes the computer system communicatively coupling the first entity to a selected entity of the determined entities such that interaction between the first entity and information regarding the selected entity is permitted.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are method and systems for creating suggested playlists for users. In some embodiments, such playlists may be automatically created for users where the suggested playlists are created for a user based on one or more selection criteria or preferences of the user, including local and/or remote pieces of media.

Abstract: A method restores a client device of a network on major failure of the client device. The client device is incapable of automatically booting on its own. The network includes a server computer. The method includes booting the client device over the network in the restoration operation, configuring the client device according to the boot program and saved configuration states for the client device, and copying files to the client device in accordance with the configuration. The client computer has access to a storage manager application, such as a server computer of the network operating a storage management software program. All client files, including configuration files, as well as application and data files, of the client device are saved on the network by the storage manager application. The client device is booted over the network, rather than locally to the client device by boot disk or otherwise.