Abstract: When a user wants to display application program status information or invoke a help function (either manually or automatically), a context-sensitive status or help display is provided that is either physically or virtually separate from the application program display. That is, the status or help display does not conceal or otherwise interfere with the main output of the application program. With this arrangement, the user is not inconvenienced by invoking a status request or help functions, nor is the user distracted by its display. The status or help information may be displayed in a portion of a single screen that does not overlap with the active window of the application program (a virtually separate display). Alternatively, a physically separate auxiliary display may be provided for display of the status or help information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus allow use condition determination in a wireless device. A wireless interface is coupled to a processor configured to input subscriber rate plan parameters associated with a service provider. Rate plan parameters include data associated with peak time charges. Rate plan parameters are compared with current parameters to determine if peak time charges are in effect. An indication that the peak time charges are in effect is then generated.

Abstract: A system for scheduling caching of in-band data operates as part of a computerized system to receive and store data broadcast in-band in a channel at a scheduled time. The scheduled caching system determines the scheduled time and channel for the in-band data broadcast and causes a real-time clock in the computerized system to schedule a subsequent execution of the scheduled caching system at approximately the scheduled time. When the scheduled caching system subsequently executes, the scheduled caching system instructs tuning circuitry in the computerized-system to tune to the scheduled channel, receives the in-band data from the tuning circuitry and stores the in-band data on mass storage for subsequent processing. The scheduled caching system also powers on the tuning circuitry and parses the in-band data from other content broadcast in the channel if necessary.

Abstract: A power supply that includes networking capabilities where networking data is sent and received to and from other systems over the power line and to and from the rest of the system that is being powered over the power supplies output power. The power supply can be included within a system or be external to the system, but in either case, the data from the network is transferred to and from the rest of the system over the same cables that are used to transfer output power from the power supply to the system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device retention apparatus for an information handling system. The device retention apparatus includes a housing for mounting an information handling system device and a retaining portion located on the housing, the retaining portion for engaging the information handling system device when placed in the housing. A selection mechanism for securing the information handling system device to the housing is slideably connected to the housing. A locking ramp portion is included on a door assembly of the information handling system for engaging the selection mechanism.

Abstract: An electrical device includes a power supply that is switchable between a first mode and a second mode. The power supply includes a first connector element of the power supply, the first connector element being one of a male and a female connector element for mating with a corresponding second connector element, the second connector element being one of a female and a male connector element, respectively. The power supply also includes a guard member disposed on the first connector element, the guard member being movable between a first position in which the first connector element is adapted to mate with any corresponding second connector elements and the power supply is in the first mode and a second position in which the first connector element is only adapted to mate with specially configured second connector elements and the power supply is in the second mode. The electrical device also includes electrical equipment powered through the power supply.

Abstract: A power supply that has an integrated power line networking coupling circuit and a connector to accept a removable power line networking module. The power supply and associated system can be sold without power line networking or with power line networking, and if sold without power line networking, it can be upgraded at a later time to support power line networking. Additionally, power line networking modules can be replaced in the field if failures occur or for upgrade purposes if a more robust networking standard becomes available.

Abstract: An add-on circuit card retention apparatus is disclosed that includes an add-on circuit card defining a reference plane and having a first connector, a second circuit card having a second connector for mating with the first connector, and a clip assembly for releasably securing the add-on circuit card to the second circuit card. The clip assembly includes a first catch member located on the add-on circuit card and a second catch member being located on the second connector. The first catch member has a first catch surface generally lying in a plane forming a first catch member angle with respect to the reference plane of less than 90 degrees. The second catch member has a second catch surface generally lying in a plane forming a second catch member angle with respect to the reference plane of less than 90 degrees when the first connector of the add-on circuit card is in a mated condition with the second connector.

Abstract: A keyboard for a computer receptive to a modular or other device, and a modular touch screen device having at least one changeable virtual key, are described. The keyboard includes a connector receptive to a corresponding connector of a device such as a personal digital assistant (PDA) device. The device communicates with a computer through the keyboard in a docking mode. The modular touch screen device extends the capability of a keyboard to which it is connected in a docking mode by providing changeable virtual keys. In a stand-alone mode, the modular touch screen device acts as a truncated wireless keyboard, or a dynamic remote control, for a computer.

Abstract: A system is provided including a cooling station with a fluid reservoir containing a cooling fluid, a circulating pump, and a first fluid circuit including first couplers. A portable computer has a second fluid circuit with second couplers coupling to first couplers thereby coupling the first and second fluid circuits when the portable computer and the cooling station are docked. Fluid is circulated in the first and second fluid circuits when docking is detected. An interface connector, fan, and a controller are further provided, the controller configured to detect docking and activate the circulating pump and de-activate the fan when docking is detected. The fluid includes one or more of: water, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and oil.

Abstract: An audio assisted setup apparatus and method include providing a set of audio instructions stored in a memory, and presented to a computer purchaser to assist in setup of a computer system. The apparatus is activated automatically upon a triggering event, and runs before the computer is set up.

Abstract: A method for correlating an electronic mail message with related (e.g., reply or forwarded) electronic mail messages is disclosed. When a user initiates a reply to an electronic mail message on an electronic mail system, the system checks for reply or other (e.g., forwarded) messages which are related to the original electronic mail message and are received by the user at a later time.

Abstract: A peripheral communications protocol hub includes an input device such as a keyboard or remote cursor control wirelessly connected to a host computer. The input device has a number of connectors for connection of peripherals to the input device. The connection of input device to peripheral may be wired or wireless.

Abstract: A lid actuated device foot lifts a device to facilitate cooling. The device foot includes a device lid, and at least one lifting cam coupled to the device lid through a hinge. The lifting cam rotates about the hinge on an axis and has an eccentric contact surface capable of contacting a supporting surface. The device is thus lifted when the device lid is moved to a first position corresponding to an operational state thereby rotating the lifting cam about the axis. The contact surface is non-lifting when the device lid is in a second position corresponding to a non-operational state of the device.

Abstract: A method, system, software and signal wherein a subset of program information for related programs is maintained with program information for a given program. The program information for the given program, including the subset of program information for related programs, can be maintained in an electronic program guide (EPG). A system can use the information in the EPG to schedule and perform program events automatically, or information can be provided to users so that the users can manually schedule or perform program events.

Abstract: A modem speaker is activated and deactivated based on a user modifiable schedule. The user stores schedule information in a schedule table, the schedule information describing a modem setting and a time for that setting to take effect. An automatic scheduler programs either the system clock or a clock device associated with the modem with the interrupts. When each interrupt issues, it generates a modem control command to turn the modem speaker either on or off by controlling whether or not audio signals are sent to the speaker. Alternatively, each time the modem is accessed, the automatic scheduler checks the schedule to see if audio signals should be provided to the speaker. A user may override the automatic scheduler at any time. By using the scheduler, a user can identify time periods when the modem speaker is deactivated without having to remember to turn off the speaker, and have the speaker activated during all other periods with having to remember to turn the speaker back on.

Abstract: An integrated drive panel for a peripheral/drive bay within the case of a computer or like electronic device comprises a cover assembly having an integral EMI shield. The integrated drive panel does not require removal of the front bezel of the computer case or access to the peripheral/drive bay from inside the computer case during installation and removal.

Abstract: An event notification system is described. The system comprises a computer having a CPU and memory and which executes an operating system operative to manage computer programs and wherein the programs generate events, a notification controller connected to the computer and operative to detect the generated events, a notification transceiver communicatively connected to the notification controller and capable of transmitting a message containing data on the event, and a portable transceiver including a notifier for receiving the message.

Abstract: Oral instructions for setting up a system of speakers are provided in a setup speaker. The setup speaker audibly plays the instructions and is powered by a battery or external power source. Oral indications of successful connections and completion of the setup are provided. The language of the instructions is also selectable.

Abstract: A computer pointing device employs memory for the storage of data allowing information to be copied from one computer to another without the need for a network or removable media such as a floppy disk. In a first aspect, the pointing device may be linked to multiple computers wherein the connection to the pointing device may be toggled from one computer to another. The connection method may be via a cabled interface or wireless interface, such as a radio frequency link. In a second aspect, the device may by physically moved from one computer to another. In a preferred embodiment, the pointing device is a universal serial bus device.