Abstract: Described is a technology by which a circuit, such as one incorporated into a USB-like cable, couples a client computing device to a server computing device. The circuit outputs identification information to each computing device to indicate that the circuit corresponds to a type of hardware device, (e.g., a CD-ROM player) and an attribute (e.g., a migration cable). The circuit then allows the communication of data between the first computing device and the second computing device. For example, the server recognizes the migration cable attribute and can emulate the CD-ROM device recognized by the client, whereby the server may provide data including software code to the client computing device by emulating the CD-ROM device. Via the software code, the client computing device is bootstrapped to recognize that it is connected to the server instead of the hardware device. Data may then be migrated from the client to the server.

Abstract: A vertical can be a series of computer-executable instructions that, in response to an incident, collect information regarding that incident and transmit the information for analysis and possible helpful feedback to the user. A general purpose vertical can address types of incidents, such as crashes or hangs, across a variety of applications, while a custom vertical can be written to address application-specific incidents. Verticals can access underlying support mechanisms through an infrastructure, which can also enable applications to request that additional data be collected by the verticals, and set other preferences. Once the data is collected and transmitted, a vertical may receive feedback, that can be a request for additional information or feedback to the user. The feedback to the user can attempt to identify the incident and aid the user in recovering from it and avoiding it in the future.

Abstract: A method and system for downloading software update data for installing a revised software product on a client computer minimizes the amount of update data to be transmitted over the network by downloading only those files needed to put the client computer in the state for installing the product. In the beginning of the downloading process, the client computer obtains from a setup server an initial setup package that includes a setup program and a list of files required for installing the software product. The setup program running on the client computer then determines whether some current or earlier versions of those files required for installation already exist on the client computer, and compiles a request list of files needed for updating the client computer. The client computer sends the request list to a download server, which maintains a collection of update files and patches. In response to the request list, the download server downloads updating files to the client.