Abstract: The invention addresses the management of multiple operating systems on a single computer and other boot-time problems. A boot-time graphical user interface is described, including support for menus, tabs, non-ASCII characters, and other graphical user interface components in the pre-boot environment. Approaches to organizing the storage and selection of multiple operating system are also presented, including the use of multiple directories which are identified in operating system boot sectors.

Abstract: A new type of magneto-electronic element, such as a spin transistor or hybrid hall effect device, can be used to construct memory systems to replace conventional cache, primary, secondary and long term (archival) storage. The magneto-electronic element is non-volatile, and has switching speeds and integration densities that compare favorably with conventional semiconductor random access memories, such as DRAM. In another embodiment, an integrated memory system may be constructed that synthesizes one or more previously disparate levels of conventional memory (i.e., a combination of primary and secondary storage) so that memory organization is further simplified and performance and cost are improved.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are provided in a multi-level computer architecture which provides improved capabilities for managing courseware and other content in a shared use operating environment such as a computer network. In particular, the invention provides a commercial networked instruction content delivery method and system which does not exclude synchronous sharing but is focused on asynchronous sharing. Security in the architecture provide content property holdlers with the ability to know how many minutes of use an individual made of licensed material and with increased certainty that their material cannot be used, copied, or sold in usable form unless and until a user site is connected or reconnected to a minute-by-minute counter which is located off the premises of the user. This security link helps protect software and other works which are being sold or licensed to an individual, organization, or entity, and creates income opportunities for owners of such content.