Abstract: A system for monitoring modem use in a computer system is disclosed. The system includes a computing device and a computer-readable medium that is part of the computing device or in electronic communication with the computing device. The computer-readable medium includes instructions for the system to implement a method for monitoring the system for modem use. The method starts a background application on the system. A communication port is monitored for communication data. It is determined whether the communication data is a modem instruction. If the communication data is a modem instruction, a notification is prepared to be sent to an administrative system. The notification is sent to the administrative system. The notification includes identification information.

Abstract: In an exemplary method, a computer system connects to a computer network that comprises one or more other computer systems. The computer system communicates with a remote system that is in electronic communication with the computer network via a communication link. The computer system coordinates its use of the communication link with the one or more other computer systems' use of the communication link such that a total bandwidth used by computer systems in the computer network does not exceed a defined maximum value.

Abstract: A method for using a policy for software distribution to computer systems on a computer network is disclosed. A first policy for software distribution is created. Software is provided on a first computer system to be distributed to a second computer system. The first policy to be used in distributing the software is identified. The software to be distributed is identified. The software to computer systems or groups is distributed.

Abstract: An exemplary method involves receiving a request to process a file comprising computer instructions. The file may be a script, a source code file, a binary file, etc. The method also involves identifying a digital signature embedded in comments within the file. The method also involves attempting to validate the digital signature. If the digital signature is validated, the file is processed. If the digital signature is not validated, the file is not processed. The file may include multiple digital signatures. When this occurs, the file may be processed only if all of the multiple digital signatures are validated. Alternatively, the file may be processed if any of the multiple digital signatures are validated.

Abstract: The invention provides for facilitating e-commerce transactions between a client and a server over a network. In particular, a client, such as a client computing device, can perform a diagnostic test, such as a power-on self-test, and determine during the test any goods requiring replacement (e.g., acquiring a substitute good, repair, or upgrade). The client may then contact a server, such as a vendor or a technical support department, for procuring such replacement. In one embodiment, the server sends the client diagnostic commands so as to allow remote diagnosis of operability of the client.

Abstract: In an exemplary method, a computer system within a subnet of a computer network sends a discovery request to other computer systems within the subnet. The discovery request comprises a request for a resource. The computer system downloads an available portion of the resource from the other computer systems in the subnet. If there is a remaining portion of the resource that is not available from the other computer systems in the subnet but that is available from a remote source, and if there is at least one other computer system in the subnet that is also seeking to obtain the remaining portion of the resource, the computer system negotiates with the at least one other computer system about downloading the remaining portion of the resource from the remote source. If no other computers in the subnet require the resource, then the remaining portion of the resource may be downloaded directly from the remote source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to perform reliable and efficient automated task handling is described.