Abstract: Aggregation of computing device settings is disclosed. In embodiments, at least one tile is generated for display. The tile represents a system setting and a status of the system setting. The tile also includes one or more user-selectable elements that are selectable to adjust an aspect of the system setting. In addition, the tile is displayed and is presentable in different user interfaces with one or more aspects of the tile differing between two or more of the different user interfaces.

Abstract: Aggregation of computing device settings is disclosed. In embodiments, at least one tile is generated for display. The tile represents a system setting and a status of the system setting. The tile also includes one or more user-selectable elements that are selectable to adjust an aspect of the system setting. In addition, the tile is displayed and is presentable in different user interfaces with one or more aspects of the tile differing between two or more of the different user interfaces.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enabling users to roam between networking environments are disclosed. In one embodiment, different machine settings may be stored in a memory for different network locations under separate network profiles. In another embodiment, these and other settings may be automatically adjusted upon entering a different location. In one such embodiment, a logical network may be employed to determine which settings are adjusted. Another aspect relates to a graphical user interface to implement the above and other methods of adapting a computing device to different network locations. In one embodiment, a graphical use interface may allow the use to modify which application and which aspects of those applications are displayed on the menu. In still yet another embodiments, a memory can update a network profile as the changes occur. In still yet further embodiments, the user may derive or otherwise create new network profiles from existing network profiles.

Abstract: An algorithm automatically selects a power state based on device configuration parameters. The selected power state may then be returned and/or automatically implemented in a shutdown of the device. The parameters can include whether the device supports a system battery, whether the device is connected to an uninterruptible power supply, whether a value is available for remaining battery life, whether the device is receiving AC power and/or whether a hibernate fail safe feature is available. A shutdown failure algorithm may also be included. The shutdown failure algorithm detects a failed attempt to shut down the device using a selected power state. The power state selection is changed and shutdown is then re-attempted. If shutdown again fails, a force shutdown flag is set. If shutdown again fails, a shutdown failure is reported.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing or limiting damage to capillaries used to dispense microdrops measures the voltage produced by a piezoelectric transducer when the capillary contacts a solid surface or the phase shift occurring when the piezoelectric transducer is operated at its resonant frequency. After distinguishing the voltage created from such contact from the voltage produced from unrelated random sources, corrective action is taken, in one aspect by stopping the relative movement of the capillary and the surface being contacted. The method and apparatus may also be employed to determine the position of a solid or liquid surface. In one embodiment, the method and apparatus of the invention is used to detect contact of the capillary with very small liquid droplets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing or limiting damage to capillaries used to dispense microdrops measures the voltage produced by a piezoelectric transducer when the capillary contacts a solid surface or the phase shift occurring when the piezoelectric transducer is operated at its resonant frequency. After distinguishing the voltage created from such contact from the voltage produced from unrelated random sources, corrective action is taken, in one aspect by stopping the relative movement of the capillary and the surface being contacted. The method and apparatus may also be employed to determine the position of a solid or liquid surface.