Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems allowing for deployment of volume-based network policies across a computer network. In one embodiment, the present invention monitors network utilization of a plurality of users and detects the occurrence of network utilization milestones or other events for individual users, such as exceeding a data transfer allotment or threshold. To enforce the allotment or threshold, the present invention is operative to deny, degrade, or otherwise affect a characteristic associated with network access provided to such users.

Abstract: A system and method to allow valid profiles in autonomic computing discover is presented. A client accesses a network and sends a profile information request to a central computing device, such as a server. The server identifies client properties, such as the client's location and a user functionality description which corresponds to the client's user. The server uses the identified client properties to select an appropriate master profile from a master profile look-up table. The server sends master profile information, such as the master profile's pathname and revision time, to the client. In turn, the client determines whether it already has a valid profile or whether it should download an up-to-date version. If the client requires an up-to-date profile version, the client downloads the master profile from the server and uses the downloaded profile for various computing tasks.

Abstract: A computer system is provided which includes a plurality of Work Areas. Each Work Area represents an individual user's computer system preferences. The computer system preferences include application programs and operating system preferences. A Work Area Manager is provided to allow a user to navigate the plurality of Work Areas. All Work Area settings are saved to a Work Area Settings Profile file which is stored in a nonvolatile memory. A novel embodiment of the Work Area Manager employed as a Desktop Manager in a Multiple Desktop computer system is also provided.

Abstract: The locking tool of this invention comprises three or more pieces. All three pieces are connected together with an axle pin. A first handle piece has one or more arc-like slots which criss-cross with one or more slots in a second handle piece. A third piece called a jaw piece has a vertical slot that is coextensive with the other two slots. A locking pin is movably positioned in and through the three slots. When pressure is exerted upon the two handle pieces, this locking pin is tilted against the walls of the slots to lock the jaws of the tool in position. When pressure is exerted on the handles, the slots can leverage the pin both rotationally and radially. Resistance to the pin movement either radial or rotational causes the pin to be tilted against the walls of the slot in such positions as to preclude natural reversed movement of the pin as in a one-way valve.