Abstract: A method of providing a preconfigured computer system to a user commences with the installation of first and second applications on the computer system. The computer system is then configured to restrict access to the first application by a user, so as to inhibit ready and convenient execution of the first application by the user. However, access to the second application is not restricted, so that this second application can be executed or invoked in a usual and convenient manner. The computer system is then supplied to an end user, with the first and second of applications installed thereon. Responsive to a subsequent request from the user, the restrictions on the access to the first application are removed so as not to inhibit the execution of the first application by the user.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for configuring a hard disk drive accessible by computer system increase the robustness and reliability of the computer system, so as to reduce technical support requirements and costs for the computer system. A first partition is defined within the disk drive that supports a first operating environment of the computer system. The content of this first partition is protected from both user modification, software modification and corruption by various mechanisms. Specifically, the first partition is protected from user modification when the first partition is active, in that the user is prevented from modifying the content of the first partition when the partition is active. A second partition is also defined on the storage device that supports a second operating environment of the computer system. Unlike the first partition, the content of the second partition is modifiable by the user, and the user is accordingly able to store applications and data within the second partition.