Abstract: A method and system for automated support in a computer system. The computer system has a service button, and pressing of the service button causes a bit to be set in a register in the chip set. Setting of the bit generates an interrupt signal that is received and processed in a manner dependent on whether the computer system is in a booting state or a non-booting state. If the computer system is in a booting state, the bit is checked at a predetermined point in the booting sequence, and if set, a service application is initiated at that time. If the computer is not in a booting state, a second interrupt is generated, causing the service application to be initiated. A timer is initiated substantially with pressing of the service button, and if the service application reaches a predetermined point before the timer reaches a predetermined value, it will clear the timer. If not, the system will follow a predetermined reboot protocol.

Abstract: A device is docked to a docking station. The docking station is coupled to a wired network. Code is obtained through the wired network. The code is executed on the device to enable the device to couple to a wireless network.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed that allows ActiveX functionality to be conditionally invoked by a non-ActiveX-enabled browser, such as those based on Mozilla technology, through the implementation of user-defined controls to mitigate system security vulnerability. ActiveX controls can be identified from within a Mozilla-based browser and the user can be presented with a choice of actions instead of ActiveX controls being automatically downloaded and activated by a browser extension such as E View. By referencing one or more user-definable lists containing domains, URLs, and ActiveX controls along with their respective attributes the method of the invention allows a user to specify the preferred behavior of a non-IE browser when attempting to render Web pages containing ActiveX controls.

Abstract: A method and system for automated support in a computer system. The computer system has a service button, and pressing of the service button causes a bit to be set in a register in the chip set. Setting of the bit generates an interrupt signal that is received and processed in a manner dependent on whether the computer system is in a booting state or a non-booting state. If the computer system is in a booting state, the bit is checked at a predetermined point in the booting sequence, and if set, a service application is initiated at that time. If the computer is not in a booting state, a second interrupt is generated, causing the service application to be initiated. A timer is initiated substantially with pressing of the service button, and if the service application reaches a predetermined point before the timer reaches a predetermined value, it will clear the timer. If not, the system will follow a predetermined reboot protocol.

Abstract: The present invention speeds display device detection during system boot by utilizing the simple boot flag register and an additional indicator to determine the display device configuration detected during the previous system boot. If the display configuration has changed since the previous boot, then the changes are noted and, when appropriate, recorded for use during subsequent boots. If the configuration has not changed, then the display device configuration from the previous boot is still accurate, and it is therefore not necessary to query each output port during the current system boot.

Abstract: A process of writing sector header data in the form of a stream of digital bits producing features located at varying radial positions on a master recording disk. Synchronized with rotation of the disk, a variable delay having a duration which varies with the radial positions of the bits on the disk is introduced into a clock signal. In the preferred embodiment, using the clock signal, a highly accurate, variable time delay is generated between the rotation of a master recording spindle and the recording of sector header data on a master disk mounted on the spindle. Thus, optical disks manufactured from the master disk have arc-shaped sector header spokes exhibiting maximum spatial accuracy and resultant maximal timing accuracy.

Abstract: A method and system for automated support in a computer system. The computer system has a service button, and pressing of the service button causes a bit to be set in a register in the chip set. Setting of the bit generates an interrupt signal that is received and processed in a manner dependent on whether the computer system is in a booting state or a non-booting state. If the computer system is in a booting state, the bit is checked at a predetermined point in the booting sequence, and if set, a service application is initiated at that time. If the computer is not in a booting state, a second interrupt is generated, causing the service application to be initiated. A timer is initiated substantially with pressing of the service button, and if the service application reaches a predetermined point before the timer reaches a predetermined value, it will clear the timer. If not, the system will follow a predetermined reboot protocol.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a computer system for measuring and monitoring local client support activity associated with servicing and supporting a computer by a client. The system includes a local client support activity file in the local computer, the local client support activity file records local client support activity. The local client support activity file is further operable to be uploaded when the client contacts a support center using the local computer.

Abstract: A computer system for measuring and monitoring local client support activity associated with servicing and supporting a computer by a client is disclosed. The system includes a local client support activity file in the local computer. The local client support activity file preferably records local client support activity. The local client support activity file is further operable to be uploaded when the client contacts a networked support center using the local computer. The system may also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of local support utilities and support center utilities.

Abstract: A method and system for integrated support for solving problems with personal computer systems comprises monitoring operating system functionality to determine if a computer system failure exists, to identify the computer system failure and to provide a solution of the computer system failure. A robust user interface, including a simple-to-use user button interface, supports single touch user input to indicate a computer system problem or question. Watchdog timers compare the time of hardware and operating system functionality, such as boot sequence operation, against predetermined time periods to determine whether or not a computer failure exists. A computer system failure is determined if a watchdog timer expires upon completion of a predetermined time period without being cleared. A hardware problem is identified on initial boot if the watchdog timer is not cleared by an operating system service routine.

Abstract: System and methods for recovering memory for computer systems are disclosed. A method for recovering physical memory within a computer system having a memory device is disclosed. The method includes detecting an event associated with the system, allocating memory based upon the detected event, and accessing at least one portion of physical memory in association with the allocated memory. Upon accessing physical memory the method further includes deallocating at least one portion of physical memory, wherein the deallocated physical memory is operable to be used in association with the event.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement modulates a disc-recording control signal as a function of data collected before and after an input data pulse and of the index signal of the recording disc. The circuit arrangement includes a tracking circuit, a timing control circuit, a programmable digital circuit, and a data output circuit. The tracking circuit monitors the index signal and provides a disc-location signal indicative of the disc recording zone. The timing control circuit clocks in the data signal and, in response thereto, generates a delayed pulse edge control signal. The programmable digital circuit responds to the disc-location signal and the timing control circuit by generating a level-setting digital signal and a delay setting digital signal for the timing control circuit. These signals are preselected as a function of the disc recording zone and the data in the input data signal.

Abstract: A computer design system is used to map a logical hierarchy corresponding to the logical functions of an electronic system into a physical hierarchy corresponding to the physical positioning of the actual electronic components which will implement the logical functions of the system. The logical hierarchy contains several levels of logical entities connected by signals, and the physical hierarchy contains physical packages corresponding to electronic components, such as integrated circuits. The mapping is accomplished by designating partition group assertions (PGAs) for each of the logical entities in the logical hierarchy. Each PGA corresponds to one of the physical packages in the physical hierarchy. Each entity is grouped by common PGA designation, and each signal of each entity is classified as external, if the signal connects entities located on different physical packages, or internal, if the signal connects entities located on the same physical package.

Abstract: An automotive speed control system uses logic activated switches on both sides of solenoids controlling vent and vacuum valves. A vacuum solenoid is activated upon the simultaneous occurrence of an activation of a vent valve solenoid, an activation of the speed control system, and a determination that solenoid current is below a desired magnitude.