Abstract: The present invention generally is directed to an alarm device that includes a network interface configured to receive an alarm control signal, an alarm interface for issuing an alarm to a target, and a processing unit which, upon receiving the alarm control signal, executes alarm issuing instructions causing the alarm interface to issue the alarm. The processing unit is configured to execute the alarm issuing instructions only after a presence of the target is detected proximate to the alarm device.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and program product initiate generation of a metafile at a client computer. The metafile is evaluated at a network server for a potential viral risk. Program code executing at the server may correlate the evaluated potential risk to a risk level stored in a database. The program code may attach a color designator or other assignment indicative of the assessed risk level to the data. A user at the client computer may act on the data based on the attached risk level.

Abstract: A client-server computing system suited particularly for homogenous clients of varying functional capabilities. Information handling capabilities are provided at the client and server on a customized, as-needed basis. When a service is needed by a client, the server determines a number of factors that may be relevant to the manner in which the service is to be provided. Then, the server selects from between two or more services having different executable code, and uploads the selected service to the client. Thus, the code may be tailored to the client's capabilities, or other aspects of its function. Services are not permanently retained by a client; rather, the client performs an analysis to determine whether services should be retained or purged. Also, state information is not permanently retained by a client; the server retains the information and uploads that information to the client. The server also manages its resources by loading service components on an as-needed basis.

Abstract: The present invention generally is directed to an alarm device that includes a network interface configured to receive an alarm control signal, an alarm interface for issuing an alarm to a target, and a processing unit which, upon receiving the alarm control signal, executes alarm issuing instructions causing the alarm interface to issue the alarm. The processing unit is configured to execute the alarm issuing instructions only after a presence of the target is detected proximate to the alarm device.

Abstract: Cellular telephones, pagers, PDAs, and other wireless devices, are configured to modify their auditory response based on a schedule. A first device having a scheduling program may network with and modify the auditory response of a second device based upon a schedule set by the user. Also, a wireless device that has a scheduling program may modify its own auditory response based upon a schedule set by the user. Thus, for example, a user of a combined PDA/telephone may schedule a partial or total disablement of the telephone during a meeting, to reduce interruptions of group events.

Abstract: A server which service multiple clients according to a defined interface selectively determines whether to by-pass at least some error checks of client requests. Preferably, the client server interface uses a Java Database Connectivity (JDBC) API, there being a set of error checks associated with each type of request. For at least some error checks, the server selectively by-passes error checking. In the exemplary embodiment, the server by-passes error checking of certain error conditions at the client's request. Alternatively, the server might selectively by-pass error checking on the basis of the client's identity, or current server performance, or on a random or intermittent basis.

Abstract: A portable organizer device through which a student may use and maintain a personal calender. Further, a student may use the portable organizer to access assignment records maintained in a master calender used and maintained by an educational institution in a database, and synchronize the personal calendar with the master calender. The portable organizer may be further configured to facilitate the management of student equipment and activities.