Abstract: A wireless security authentication system comprises a wireless element configured to determine validity of a user credential to enable use of a computing system, the wireless element powered by inductive coupling.

Abstract: A family management system provides a family manager with family-related and work-related information. This information may be provided to the family manager in the form of one or more screens depicting calendars, e-mail, and/or other tasks. In particular, family-related and work-related matters may be merged on a single screen so that the family manager can facilitate scheduling better between family-related and work-related matters.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method comprises transmitting, from a wireless local area network (LAN) device of a host device to an access point of a wireless network, a request to disassociate from the access point, the request to disassociate further comprising a request to monitor for wake events for the host device and switching off a transceiver of the wireless LAN device after transmission of the disassociate request.

Abstract: A wireless security authentication system comprises a wireless element configured to determine validity of a user credential to enable use of a computing system, the wireless element powered by inductive coupling.

Abstract: A computer system comprises a host computer coupled to a wireless module via a digital interface. The wireless module permits the computer system to communicate with a wireless network. The host computer repeatedly polls the wireless module to determine whether it has received any incoming data from the wireless network, but preferably does not poll the wireless module all of the time. Periodic cessation of polling advantageously helps to extend battery life in the case of a host computer that operates off battery power. This concept, however, can be applied and is useful in the context of desktop electronic systems that operate from AC power.

Abstract: A computer system comprises a host computer coupled to a wireless module via a digital interface. The wireless module permits the computer system to communicate with a wireless network. The host computer repeatedly polls the wireless module to determine whether it has received any incoming data from the wireless network, but preferably does not poll the wireless module all of the time. Periodic cessation of polling advantageously helps to extend battery life in the case of a host computer that operates off battery power. This concept, however, can be applied and is useful in the context of desktop electronic systems that operate from AC power.

Abstract: A family management system provides a family manager with family-related and work-related information. This information may be provided to the family manager in the form of one or more screens depicting calendars, e-mail, and/or other tasks. In particular, family-related and work-related matters may be merged on a single screen so that the family manager can facilitate scheduling better between family-related and work-related matters.

Abstract: A multi-boot apparatus allows a portable computer to boot from a predetermined list of bootable data storage devices, even if the data storage devices have been relocated during operation. The computer system has a hard disk bay and multi-bay for accepting one or more data storage devices and/or battery packs. During initialization, the invention retrieves a previously entered IPL sequence from a configuration setup table stored in the nonvolatile RAM of the portable computer. Next, the invention queries each bay and determines the device connected to each bay, including the data storage device and the battery pack, if one is present. The invention then determines if a remapping of the data storage drives is necessary to ensure that the device at the beginning of the IPL order is the first drive in the BIOS boot sequence. If so, the invention remaps the drives such that the device is at the first drive in the BIOS boot sequence.

Abstract: A multi-boot apparatus allows a portable computer to boot from a predetermined list of bootable data storage devices, even if the data storage devices have been relocated during operation. The computer system has a hard disk bay and multi-bay for accepting one or more data storage devices and/or battery packs. During initialization, the invention retrieves a previously entered IPL sequence from a configuration setup table stored in the nonvolatile RAM of the portable computer. Next, the invention queries each bay and determines the device connected to each bay, including the data storage device and the battery pack, if one is present. The invention then determines if a remapping of the data storage drives is necessary to ensure that the device at the beginning of the IPL order is the first drive in the BIOS boot sequence. If so, the invention remaps the drives such that the device is at the first drive in the BIOS boot sequence.

Abstract: Data processing systems often include multiple servers which provide facilities for other data stations within the system. A File System Driver loaded within an operating system is generally utilized to define the relationships among the operating system, the file systems and the device drivers. The method and system of the present invention loads multiple File System Drivers, each having a public entry point which may be utilized to identify each server device managed by an associated File System Driver. Thereafter, any server request by the user will result in an automatic sequential polling of each loaded File System Driver to identify the particular File System Driver which manages the server in question. In response to a failure to identify the particular File System Driver which manages the desired server, each File System Driver is polled a second time and permitted to transmit queries throughout the system to locate the desired server.