Abstract: Automatically backing up one or more computers across a network to a backup device coupled to the network through one of the computers connected to the network. In one embodiment, a user connects the backup device to a first network connected computer which triggers the launch, installation, setup and configuration of the associated software on the first computer thereby performing a backup operation of data from the first computer to the backup device. The user then connects the backup device to a second network connected computer which triggers the launch, installation, setup and configuration of the associated software on the second computer thereby performing a backup operation of data from the second computer to the backup device. Furthermore, the associated software installed on the second computer triggers communication with and a backup of data from the first computer across the network through the second computer to the backup device.

Abstract: A peripheral electronic device includes a health check application configured to execute automatically upon connection of the peripheral device to a data source, such as a personal computer. The health check application can diagnose problems and if necessary, repair the problems with the peripheral device, the data source, or both. Examples of problems include corrupted data and indications of software, firmware, and hardware failures or impending failures. In some instances, the health check application can provide a warning of an impending failure. The health check application, after initially executing, can be triggered in various ways to scan again for problems. In addition to finding and repairing problems, the health check application can also attend to maintenance.

Abstract: A data backup system is provided for backing up data files from a data source and for securing those data files against accidental modification or deletion. The system comprises storage and a data protection component that includes an application programming interface defining a command set. The system can also comprise a backup application that is configured to use the commands of the command set. The data protection component allows applications that use the commands of the command set, such as the backup application, to access the storage of the system. The data protection component prevents operating systems and applications that do not use the commands of the command set from accessing the storage. The data protection function of the data protection component can optionally be disabled to allow open access to the storage.

Abstract: A portable data map of a data source is created using metadata obtained from the data source. The created data map represents the entire data set of the data source and can be carried on a mobile device without having to carry the entire data set and thus requiring much less storage space. A user of the mobile device can navigate this data map and view the file/folder hierarchy of the data source even when the mobile device is off line or not currently in communication with the data source. Once a user has made a selection the actual file(s) can be downloaded to the mobile device.

Abstract: A data backup system is provided that when coupled to a data source, such as a personal computer, and a media player, such an Apple Computer IPod media player, the data backup system blocks certain communications between the data source and the media player thus preventing the data source from recognizing the media player as such thereby avoiding the launching of synchronization software for the media player, the data backup system also causing the automatic launching of a backup application stored on the data backup system so that data files can be located on the data source and then backed up to the media player.

Abstract: A software application is provided for a user to select a backed up data file and specify a task to be performed by an online service provider on the selected file. The application automatically connects to the online service provider and uploads the selected file for the online service provider to perform the task. Tasks that can be performed include printing, sharing, viewing, playing and archiving the selected file. Task preferences, user settings and user information can also be specified by the user and uploaded to the online service provider. Automatic connection to the online service provider can be via default setting, selected file type, or specified task. Alternatively, the user can designate which service provider is to perform the task. Payment for the task can be accomplished via bundled credits or by other payment mechanisms.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for automatically backing up one or more computers to a wireless backup device either across a pre-existing wireless network if one is in use by the one or more computers or across a newly formed wireless network if a pre-existing wireless network is not in use by the one or more computers. The backup operation is performed by a software application provided by the wireless backup device which application can be launched, installed and configured on the one or more computers automatically and without user input via an initial hardwired connection between the wireless backup device and the one or more computers.

Abstract: Automatically backing up one or more computers across a network to a backup device coupled to the network through one of the computers connected to the network. In one embodiment, a user connects the backup device to a first network connected computer which triggers the launch, installation, setup and configuration of the associated software on the first computer thereby performing a backup operation of data from the first computer to the backup device. The user then connects the backup device to a second network connected computer which triggers the launch, installation, setup and configuration of the associated software on the second computer thereby performing a backup operation of data from the second computer to the backup device. Furthermore, the associated software installed on the second computer triggers communication with and a backup of data from the first computer across the network through the second computer to the backup device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling the number of products produced by contract manufacturers in order to prevent unauthorized overproduction. Each authorized device that is produced includes both a serial number and an encryption of the serial number. Each device is configured to decrypt the encrypted serial number and verify the decrypted serial number matches the serial number before the device will function properly. The encryption of the serial number is performed at a secure location outside of the control of the manufacturer, and the encrypted serial number is then transmitted to the manufacturer and stored to the device. Without knowledge of, or access to, the details of the encryption process, the manufacturer cannot independently produce devices with properly encrypted serial numbers. Accordingly, the number of properly functioning devices the manufacturer can produce can be limited by controlling the number of encrypted serial numbers provided to the manufacturer.

Abstract: A data backup system is provided for backing up data files from a data source and for securing those data files against accidental modification or deletion. The system comprises storage and a data protection component that includes an application programming interface defining a command set. The system can also comprise a backup application that is configured to use the commands of the command set. The data protection component allows applications that use the commands of the command set, such as the backup application, to access the storage of the system. The data protection component prevents operating systems and applications that do not use the commands of the command set from accessing the storage. The data protection function of the data protection component can optionally be disabled to allow open access to the storage.

Abstract: A software application is provided for a user to select a backed up data file and specify a task to be performed by an online service provider on the selected file. The application automatically connects to the online service provider and uploads the selected file for the online service provider to perform the task. Tasks that can be performed include printing, sharing, viewing, playing and archiving the selected file. Task preferences, user settings and user information can also be specified by the user and uploaded to the online service provider. Automatic connection to the online service provider can be via default setting, selected file type, or specified task. Alternatively, the user can designate which service provider is to perform the task. Payment for the task can be accomplished via bundled credits or by other payment mechanisms.

Abstract: A backup system is provided that includes a backup application configured to automatically execute upon connection of the backup system to a data source. The backup application is configured to selectively back up data from the data source to itself or to networked storage, for example. As part of selectively backing up data, the backup application is further configured to selectively extract embedded data files, such as attachments, from internal files of e-mail programs. Between backups, the backup application can selectively extract newly received embedded data files to a folder. During a subsequent backup, the contents of the folder can be copied from the data source.

Abstract: A data backup system comprises an emulation component and a storage device having logical storage areas. The emulation component is configured to represent a first logical storage area of the storage device, such as a solid state memory or a disk drive partition, as if it were an auto-launch device. Accordingly, a data source, such as a personal computer, will interact with the first logical storage area as if it were the auto-launch device. As some operating systems are configured to recognize auto-launch devices upon connection and automatically execute applications stored thereon, merely connecting the data backup system to a data source running such an operating system can cause a backup application stored by the first logical storage area to automatically execute on the data source to selectively back up data to a second logical storage area of the storage device.

Abstract: An emulation component for a data backup system is provided. The emulation component represents a storage device, such as a flash memory device or a partition of a disk drive, as if it were an auto-launch device, that will trigger applications to execute automatically. Accordingly, other computing systems, such as personal computers, interact with the storage device, through the emulation component, as if the storage device were the auto-launch device. Because the emulation component makes this representation, merely connecting the emulation component between the storage device and the computing system can cause a backup application stored on the storage device to automatically execute on the computing system. A data backup appliance including an emulation component and a storage device is also provided. The backup system can also include an interface for connecting another removable device, such as a disk drive, for storing backup content from the data source.

Abstract: A data backup system comprises a USB flash drive that includes an emulation component and a flash memory. The emulation component is configured to represent the flash memory as if it were an auto-launch device. Accordingly, a data source, such as a personal computer, will interact with the flash memory as if it were the auto-launch device. As some operating systems are configured to recognize auto-launch devices upon connection and automatically execute applications stored thereon, merely connecting the USB flash drive to a data source running such an operating system will cause a backup application stored by the flash memory to automatically execute on the data source. Here, the backup application is configured to selectively back up data files from the data source to a networked storage such as a server of a commercial service provider.