Abstract: A security apparatus includes a removable data storage device to store biometric information; and a security check unit. The security check unit includes a reader adapted to receive the removable data storage device; a scanner adapted to scan user biometric information; and a processor coupled to the reader and the scanner, the processor comparing the biometric information stored on the removable data storage device and the user biometric information from the scanner to allow access to a resource.

Abstract: A method for downloading data from a server to a computer, which includes accessing user preferences; transmitting user preference and computer configuration information to the server; determining applications that can be supported by the computer configuration; and downloading only supported applications to the computer.

Abstract: A handheld computer includes removable, replaceable, and upgradeable modules, one of which is a removable, replaceable, upgradeable, and re-writeable Personal Universal Memory card capable of receiving and storing information associated with a user from a server. The handheld computer has a motherboard having sockets to accept the replaceable, and upgradeable modules, and a slot to accept the removable, replaceable, re-writeable, and upgradeable Personal Universal Memory card.

Abstract: A method for pulling information from a server to a computer includes: accepting a list of items selected by the user; sending codes associated with the selected items from the device to the server; and receiving information from the server to the computer based on the matching codes.

Abstract: A Personal Universal Memory (PUM) card is adapted to be inserted into a computer having basic and customized modes. The PUM card includes interface logic to communicate with the computer; and a non-volatile data storage device coupled to the interface logic, the data storage device adapted to store a data structure to store personal information and preferences for customizing the device, wherein the computer transitions from the basic mode to the customized mode upon the insertion of the PUM card into the computer.