Abstract: Multi-user multi-input desktop workspaces and applications are described. In one aspect, a single computing device presents multiple workspaces on a desktop area. The desktop area is designed for multiple users to provide in parallel inputs. Each workspace is configured for use by a particular set of users. Responsive to user direction, user access restrictions to a particular workspace of the multiple workspaces is suspended to allow a new user to interface within context of a particular workspace.

Abstract: A method for selectively utilizing a plurality of disparate solid state storage locations is disclosed. The technology initially receives class types for a plurality of disparate solid state storage locations. The characteristics of the received data are determined. The received data is then allocated to one of the plurality of disparate solid state storage locations based upon the determined characteristics of the received data.

Abstract: A method for selectively utilizing a plurality of disparate solid state storage locations is disclosed. The technology initially receives class types for a plurality of disparate solid state storage locations. The characteristics of the received data are determined. The received data is then allocated to one of the plurality of disparate solid state storage locations based upon the determined characteristics of the received data.

Abstract: Re-purposing a computer from one operating system to another is both simplified and made less susceptible to error by moving original system firmware to a backup location and then installing both new firmware and the new operating system in one process. Because the original firmware is maintained and accessible, should the new firmware, for example, a BIOS, fail, the original firmware can be restored and the process restarted. To assist in the seamless change from one operating system to another, an inventory of computer assets may be used to built an installation program and removable memory for use in the upgrade.

Abstract: A BIOS may provide bad block and wear-leveling services to a flash memory during a boot cycle until a full-functioned memory controller, such as a software memory controller, is available. After the full-functioned memory controller is available, the controller may use data passed by the BIOS to determine what, if any, steps to take to account for write activity during the boot process. Alternatively, the BIOS may use a reserved portion of flash memory so that wear leveling for boot-related data, such as a shut-down flag, is not needed.

Abstract: An inter-network remote control system is described that enables remote control of computing devices via two or more disparate data communications networks. In various embodiments, the inter-network remote control system receives a message from a mobile device via a first network, transforms the received message so that it can be relayed via a second network, and forwards the transformed message via the second network to a target computing device to cause that device to be controlled remotely.

Abstract: A portable rewritable medium and a method are provided for preventing unauthorized use of executable software stored on the portable rewritable medium. A portion of the software stored on the portable rewritable medium may include instructions for a processing device to determine whether execution of the executable software is permitted. If execution of the executable software is permitted, the processing device may execute the executable software directly from the portable rewritable medium. Characteristics of the portable rewritable medium may be checked to determine whether functionality of the executable software is to be limited.

Abstract: A method for selectively utilizing a plurality of disparate solid state storage locations is disclosed. The technology initially receives class types for a plurality of disparate solid state storage locations. The characteristics of the received data are determined. The received data is then allocated to one of the plurality of disparate solid state storage locations based upon the determined characteristics of the received data.

Abstract: A method for tailoring the installation of an operating system to a computer system receives information regarding the computer system. Information regarding a modular operating system is accessed. The modular operating system is comprised of a foundational base and a plurality of installable features. Desired performance characteristics of the computer system are determined. Portions of the modular operating system are installed such that the modular operating system is tailored to the computer system and the desired performance characteristics of the computer system.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a processing device may create a hardware inventory of hardware devices included in the processing device. A medium of the processing device may be prepared for installation of an operating system. The operating system may be installed onto the medium. One of a number of hardware abstraction layers may be determined to be compatible with a hardware configuration of the processing device. The determined one of the number of hardware abstraction layers may be installed onto the medium. A number of drivers for the hardware devices may be installed onto the medium, wherein the hardware drivers are based on the created hardware inventory.

Abstract: Multi-user multi-input desktop workspaces and applications are described. In one aspect, a single computing device presents multiple workspaces on a desktop area. The desktop area is designed for multiple users to provide in parallel inputs. Each workspace is configured for use by a particular set of users. Responsive to user direction, user access restrictions to a particular workspace of the multiple workspaces is suspended to allow a new user to interface within context of a particular workspace.

Abstract: Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for creating and using phonetic schemes. A phonetic scheme creation feature is provided to allow a user to create a phonetic scheme that has one or more available phonetic character combinations in a source language and a resulting one or more native characters in a destination language for each of the phonetic character combinations. A phonetic input application is provided that can read the phonetic scheme to translate a respective character combination that is input by the user in the source language into the corresponding resulting native characters in the destination language. The phonetic scheme can be stored in a format that can be transferred to another computer. A dynamic help file can be created to document the phonetic scheme created by the user.

Abstract: Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for providing suggestion lists for phonetic input. The system receives user input in a source language from an input device. The input is a partial phonetic representation in the source language of a character desired by a user in a destination language. Based on the user's input, a suggestion list is generated that includes a set of key/character combinations that can be pressed/entered on an input device in the source language to achieve at least one resulting character in the destination language. The suggestion list is dynamically generated based upon a prior usage history of the user. The suggestion list is displayed to the user on a display. The user can customize various suggestion list display settings. Upon generating the suggestion list, the display settings are retrieved, and the suggestion list is formatted according to the display settings.

Abstract: Described is a system and method that use the concept of channels by which computer users select an appropriate set of network settings maintained in the computer system for a particular network. Upon selection, the corresponding settings are automatically applied by the system. A channel manager manages sets of network settings for various networks, including ad hoc networks, wherein each set contains the information that is necessary to connect to a network. A user interface allows selection of a channel, e.g., via a friendly name. The network settings may be stored in files to allow users to easily copy settings. Complex channels are capable of connecting to different networks at different times in a priority ordering, depending on network availability. The channel manager is able to determine the current channel from current network settings. Metadata may be received and displayed in conjunction with the channel-related user interface.