Abstract: A computer adapted for pay-as-you go or other metered use has a policy for determined what measurements to take to detect fraud as well as steps to take when fraud is found. To optimize between good performance and sufficient tests to reduce the risk of fraud, a policy is developed based on observation of the users behavior, using data taken at the computer, data from a payment processor or both. After analysis, an updated policy is securely loaded at the computer to determine what, and how often to measure for suspected fraud.

Abstract: A client data distribution service may receive messages from a client device requesting data sets from the data distribution service. The data sets may include a client certificate used to protect in verified subsequent communications between the client device in the data distribution service as well as provisioning packets used by the client device to enable operation by the user. Specific messages between the client device in the data distribution service include hardware identifiers, initialization keys, last used sequence numbers, and Underwriter product identifiers. Corresponding acknowledgment messages may be used by the data distribution service to remove completed transactions.

Abstract: Social network notifications are described. In implementations, a notification is received at a client device from a social network service that includes content that is posted for access via the social network service and includes an identifier of an originator of the posting. The notification is output by the client device to include the content from the posting and the identifier of the originator of the posting.

Abstract: In a pay-per-use computer environment, particularly when network access is limited, self-monitoring tools on a pay-per-use computer may require special support from a host/server. The host/server must be able to respond to requests quickly and efficiently and yet maintain full information required to service requests and updates. A key management table and a device management table provide critical information required to service requests. Use of SQL notifications allows local database caches to remain current but quickly accessible.

Abstract: In a pay-per-use computer environment, particularly when network access is limited, self-monitoring tools on a pay-per-use computer may require special support from a host/server. The host/server must be able to respond to requests quickly and efficiently and yet maintain full information required to service requests and updates. A key management table and a device management table provide critical information required to service requests. Use of SQL notifications allows local database caches to remain current but quickly accessible.