Abstract: A method, system and program product for optimizing of the provisioning of systems. The method, system, computer program product for provisioning a system comprises steps of intercepting a request to provision a named system; calculating a number of named systems needed to give an overall provisioning success rate higher than a threshold success rate; and requesting parallel provisioning of the calculated number of named systems.

Abstract: A method, system and program product for optimizing of the provisioning of systems. The method, system, computer program product for provisioning a system comprises steps of intercepting a request to provision a named system; calculating a number of named systems needed to give an overall provisioning success rate higher than a threshold success rate; and requesting parallel provisioning of the calculated number of named systems.

Abstract: Secure access in a computing environment is provided. One implementation involves a client generating a sequence for tapping server ports, and the client identifying itself to the server by tapping the server ports based on the sequence. The server verifies if the tapping sequence is correct. If the tapping sequence is correct, access is provided from the client to the server.

Abstract: Secure access in a computing environment is provided. One implementation involves a client generating a sequence for tapping server ports, and the client identifying itself to the server by tapping the server ports based on the sequence. The server verifies if the tapping sequence is correct. If the tapping sequence is correct, access is provided from the client to the server.

Abstract: A method for coating a surface mount package is provided. The method includes applying a layer of a coating material above at least one surface of the surface mount package, applying a masking material above the layer of coating material, and removing the layer of coating material from a selected portion of the surface mount package defined by the masking material.

Abstract: A system, method, and medium for enhancing a GUI and viewing environment for a computer user is disclosed. Enabling a user to fully navigate and operate a computer through the use of a remote control device, the present invention includes at least a PC mode of operation and a theater mode of operation, wherein the theater mode is designed for distance use with the remote device. While operating in theater mode, received function key signals are interpreted by the computer system to operate various functions which have been modified to accommodate remote viewing and control. To enable the remote device to fully control the applications executable on the computer, the disclosed process notifies the various applications of the current operating mode.

Abstract: A fiber optic sensor coil and method of forming a fiber optic sensor coil including a plurality of turns of a first segment of optical fiber wound in a clockwise direction and a plurality of turns of a second segment of optical fiber wound in the counterclockwise direction. The turns of the first segment and of the second segment together forming a plurality of layers of turns of the optical fiber. A restraining ring covers an outermost layer of the plurality of layers of turns of optical fiber. The restraining ring includes a plurality of openings formed therein and provides a compressive force to the plurality of turns of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for selective removal of a conformal coating from the solder balls of grid array packages such that the benefits of the coating are realized. An ancillary benefit of the invention is improved process-ability of the grid array package by improving the mechanical containment of the solder during the reflow process and improved electrical isolation between the individual solder attachment points. For example, a method for coating a ball grid array is provided, which includes coating the ball grid array with a thin layer of parylene. Next, the solder ball side of the part is butter smeared or squeegeed with a water soluble coating and assembled wet. A mask having holes in the same pattern as the balls in the grid, and a thickness that is about 80% of the height of the balls, is applied to the solder ball side of the part. This side of the part is then butter smeared again with the water soluble coating, and the entire assembly is allowed to dry.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for selective removal of a conformal coating from the solder balls of grid array packages such that the benefits of the coating are realized. An ancillary benefit of the invention is improved process-ability of the grid array package by improving the mechanical containment of the solder during the reflow process and improved electrical isolation between the individual solder attachment points. For example, a method for coating a ball grid array is provided, which includes coating the ball grid array with a thin layer of parylene. Next, the solder ball side of the part is butter smeared or squeegeed with a water soluble coating and assembled wet. A mask having holes in the same pattern as the balls in the grid, and a thickness that is about 80% of the height of the balls, is applied to the solder ball side of the part. This side of the part is then butter smeared again with the water soluble coating, and the entire assembly is allowed to dry.

Abstract: A system, method, and medium for enhancing a GUI and viewing environment for a computer user is disclosed. Enabling a user to fully navigate and operate a computer through the use of a remote control device, the present invention includes at least a PC mode of operation and a theater mode of operation, wherein the theater mode is designed for distance use with the remote device. While operating in theater mode, received function key signals are interpreted by the computer system to operate various functions which have been modified to accommodate remote viewing and control. To enable the remote device to fully control the applications executable on the computer, the disclosed process notifies the various applications of the current operating mode.

Abstract: Information cursors are provided for use in an operating system and/or application programs. Each information cursor includes a pointing portion to point to objects displayed on a video display and an information portion to display information about an object to which the pointing portion points. The information displayed in an information cursor may include the name of the object, a preview of the contents of the object, or property information about the object.

Abstract: A system, method, and medium for enhancing a GUI and viewing environment for a computer user is disclosed. Enabling a user to fully navigate and operate a computer through the use of a remote control device, the present invention includes at least a PC mode of operation and a theater mode of operation, wherein the theater mode is designed for distance use with the remote device. While operating in theater mode, received function key signals are interpreted by the computer system to operate various functions which have been modified to accommodate remote viewing and control. To enable the remote device to fully control the applications executable on the computer, the disclosed process notifies the various applications of the current operating mode.

Abstract: A system, method, and medium for enhancing a GUI and viewing environment for a computer user is disclosed. Enabling a user to fully navigate and operate a computer through the use of a remote control device, the present invention includes at least a PC mode of operation and a theater mode of operation, wherein the theater mode is designed for distance use with the remote device. While operating in theater mode, received function key signals are interpreted by the computer system to operate various functions which have been modified to accommodate remote viewing and control. To enable the remote device to fully control the applications executable on the computer, the disclosed process notifies the various applications of the current operating mode.

Abstract: A computer system having a video display runs an operating system that provides a desktop environment to a user and a file system. The desktop environment has associated systems settings that affect the desktop environment. In this method, a first set of values for at least a portion of the system settings are stored in a storage device in a computer network so that the first set of values is visible in the file system. A second set of values, for the same portion of the system settings for which values are stored in the first set of values, is also stored in the storage device such that the second set of values is visible in the file system. In response to a choice by the user between the first set of values and the second set of values, the system settings are updated to have the values specified by the chosen set of values.

Abstract: A system, method, and medium for enhancing a GUI and viewing environment for a computer user is disclosed. Enabling a user to fully navigate and operate a computer through the use of a remote control device, the present invention includes at least a PC mode of operation and a theater mode of operation, wherein the theater mode is designed for distance use with the remote device. While operating in theater mode, received function key signals are interpreted by the computer system to operate various functions which have been modified to accommodate remote viewing and control. To enable the remote device to fully control the applications executable on the computer, the disclosed process notifies the various applications of the current operating mode.

Abstract: Information cursors are provided for use in an operating system and/or application programs. Each information cursor includes a pointing portion to point to objects displayed on a video display and an information portion to display information about an object to which the pointing portion points. The information displayed in an information cursor may include the name of the object, a preview of the contents of the object, or property information about the object.

Abstract: Information cursors are provided for use in an operating system and/or application programs. Each information cursor includes a pointing portion to point to objects displayed on a video display and an information portion to display information about an object to which the pointing portion points. The information displayed in an information cursor may include the name of the object, a preview of the contents of the object, or property information about the object.

Abstract: A system, method, and medium for enhancing a GUI and viewing environment for a computer user is disclosed. Enabling a user to fully navigate and operate a computer through the use of a remote control device, the present invention includes at least a PC mode of operation and a theater mode of operation, wherein the theater mode is designed for distance use with the remote device. While operating in theater mode, received function key signals are interpreted by the computer system to operate various functions which have been modified to accommodate remote viewing and control. To enable the remote device to fully control the applications executable on the computer, the disclosed process notifies the various applications of the current operating mode.

Abstract: A system, method, and medium for enhancing a GUI and viewing environment for a computer user is disclosed. Enabling a user to fully navigate and operate a computer through the use of a remote control device, the present invention includes at least a PC mode of operation and a theater mode of operation, wherein the theater mode is designed for distance use with the remote device. While operating in theater mode, received function key signals are interpreted by the computer system to operate various functions which have been modified to accommodate remote viewing and control. To enable the remote device to fully control the applications executable on the computer, the disclosed process notifies the various applications of the current operating mode.

Abstract: A system, method, and medium for enhancing a GUI and viewing environment for a computer user is disclosed. Enabling a user to fully navigate and operate a computer through the use of a remote control device, the present invention includes at least a PC mode of operation and a theater mode of operation, wherein the theater mode is designed for distance use with the remote device. While operating in theater mode, received function key signals are interpreted by the computer system to operate various functions which have been modified to accommodate remote viewing and control. To enable the remote device to fully control the applications executable on the computer, the disclosed process notifies the various applications of the current operating mode.