Abstract: The invention includes a method of synchronizing objects between first and second object stores. A synchronization manager in accordance with the invention maintains a reference store containing identifying data segments corresponding respectively to a plurality of objects that have previously been synchronized between the first and second object stores. An application program that maintains the first object store has associated interfaces that allow the synchronization manager to compare and manipulate objects. One such interface allows the synchronization manager to submit an identifying data segment associated with a particular object. In response, this interface returns a handle that corresponds to the submitted identifying data segment. Another interface accepts a handle that refers to an identifying data segment, and determines if the object corresponding to the identifying data segment has been changed in the first object store since the last synchronization.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of synchronizing objects between first and second object stores. A synchronization manager in accordance with the invention maintains a reference store containing identifying data segments corresponding respectively to a plurality of objects that have previously been synchronized between the first and second object stores. An application program that maintains the first object store has associated interfaces that allow the synchronization manager to compare and manipulate objects. One such interface allows the synchronization manager to submit an identifying data segment associated with a particular object. In response, this interface returns a handle that corresponds to the submitted identifying data segment. Another interface accepts a handle that refers to an identifying data segment, and determines if the object corresponding to the identifying data segment has been changed in the first object store since the last synchronization.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of synchronizing objects between first and second object stores. A synchronization manager in accordance with the invention maintains a reference store containing identifying data segments corresponding respectively to a plurality of objects that have previously been synchronized between the first and second object stores. An application program that maintains the first object store has associated interfaces that allow the synchronization manager to compare and manipulate objects. One such interface allows the synchronization manager to submit an identifying data segment associated with a particular object. In response, this interface returns a handle that corresponds to the submitted identifying data segment. Another interface accepts a handle that refers to an identifying data segment, and determines if the object corresponding to the identifying data segment has been changed in the first object store since the last synchronization.

Abstract: A base computer installs an application program to a portable computer by determining a size associated with the application being installed. The portable computer contains a built-in memory used for both program execution and data storage. Additionally, one or more memory expansion cards may be coupled to the portable computer. The base computer determines the storage space available in the built-in memory in the portable computer. If the storage space available in the built-in memory of the portable computer can accommodate the application, then the base computer installs the application to the built-in memory. If the storage space available in the built-in memory of the portable computer cannot accommodate the application, then the base computer determines whether a memory expansion card is coupled to the portable computer. If a memory expansion card is coupled to the portable computer, then the base computer installs the application to the memory expansion card.

Abstract: A method and system for sharing a communications port by running a communications program that only occupies the communications port when a user action indicates that the communications port is needed. The communications port is released when it is determined that the user no longer needs it, however the communications program continues to run. The communications program is implemented in a shell extension that separates its functionality into two states, a resident state that is essentially available at all times but does not occupy the communications port, and an exclusive state that intelligently occupies the communications port when needed. When a user intuitively opens a folder related to device communication, the communications program enters the exclusive state, and returns to the resident state when the folder is closed, thereby freeing the communications port for use by other programs.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for synchronizing object instances between first and second object stores. The system includes a primary computer and a portable computer that is connectable with the primary computer for data communications. A first object store manager executes on the portable computer to maintain the first object store, and a second object store manager executes on the primary computer to maintain the second object store. In addition, a synchronization manager executes on the primary computer. The synchronization manager compares object instances from the first and second object stores in response to initially connecting the portable computer for data communications with the primary computer, and synchronizes any objects whose instances differ from each other. After the initial synchronization, the first object store manager initiates a notification to the synchronization manager whenever an instance of a particular object in the first object store changes.