Abstract: Idle detection techniques are disclosed. A set of idle conditions that includes one or more conditions not comprising or triggered by an absence of user input is monitored. The device is determined to be idle based at least in part on results of the monitoring. The device may be determined not to be idle even in the absence of recent user input.

Abstract: A system and method for efficient data storage, which reduces data entropy of data on a data storage device. The technique organizes related data entities (such as files on a hard drive) in close physical proximity and in a predictive or ordered sequence, to reduce the amount of time and effort (mechanical, computational, or otherwise) a storage/retrieval device needs to expend locating each related data entity as it processes a sequence of requests. In addition, the data may be organized and stored according to a file directory index structure, whereby file fragmentation is reduced.

Abstract: A system and method for efficient data storage, which reduces data entropy of data on a data storage device. The technique organizes related data entities (such as files on a hard drive) in close physical proximity and in a predictive or ordered sequence, to reduce the amount of time and effort (mechanical, computational, or otherwise) a storage/retrieval device needs to expend locating each data related entity as it processes a sequence of requests. In addition, the data may be organized and stored according to a file directory index structure, whereby file fragmentation is reduced.

Abstract: Device-specific secure software licensing techniques are disclosed. In various embodiments, a key/token pair associated with a client requesting license validation is received. It is determined whether the key/token pair matches an entry in a store of currently valid key/token pairs. An affirmative response is sent in the event the key/token pair matches a corresponding entry in the store of currently valid key/token pairs.

Abstract: Techniques to predict software usage duration are disclosed. Software usage duration data indicating for each of a plurality of systems a duration of usage of an application or other software on that system is received. The software usage duration data is used to determine a predicted software usage duration for the application or other software.

Abstract: A method and system to improve performance of a computer system is disclosed. One aspect of certain embodiments includes selectively deallocating or allocating computer resources to a set of computer programs associated with the computer system.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring computer performance and repairing and/or optimizing system configurations. During these idle times, the present process executes a sequence of background system analyses that can trigger associated optimization, maintenance, or repair actions based on a comparison of current computer states and baseline optimal health data. If other tasks are initiated by a user of the system, while the present invention is performing any of its actions, the monitoring and repair program terminates itself and releases full control back to the user and operating system.