Abstract: A system and method for providing automated support services includes at least one electronic device that experiences an error condition. An error notification regarding the error condition is then provided to a support server. The support server assigns an error identifier to the error condition, and provides the error identifier to the electronic device. The support server also creates a solution map that associates the error identifier with a solution identifier corresponding to an effective solution for the detected error condition. A solution database is implemented to store the solution to the error condition. A solution manager of the electronic device may then utilize the error identifier to automatically identify, download, and install the solution from the solution database to thereby remedy the error condition.

Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) for setting up a computer system at startup. The GUI may include a first plurality of on-screen selectable icons, wherein each of the first plurality of on-screen selectable icons is associated with at least one respective setup procedure that when invoked causes a processor to execute an associated setup functionality. The GUI further includes a first visual indicator operable to identify one of the first plurality of on-screen selectable icons responsive to a user selection thereof. A second visual indicator may be used to identify a completion of a setup procedure associated with the user selection of the one of the first plurality of on-screen selectable icons. The GUI also includes a plurality of on-screen navigational icons for navigating through the first plurality of on-screen selectable icons, for canceling a selection and for exiting a startup user experience.

Abstract: A user of a wireless device connects a cable to a router and is given the option of manually or automatically creating a user profile to configure the wireless device for subsequent wireless communication with the router when the user removes the cable.

Abstract: Plural guided help utilities are provided in a library and accessed using unique identifiers to guide a user in a “show me” mode or “do it” mode through help instructions.

Abstract: A user enters shipping and billing information only once to an Internet photo server. Subsequently, the user can select locally stored photos for printing or photos stored at the Internet server. In the case of locally stored photos, the Internet server automatically uploads the photos transparently to the user. In either case, the server fulfills the print order and ships the printed photos to the user.

Abstract: A photograph in an album of photographs is selected as the cover for the album based on metadata, e.g., most frequently viewed, last viewed, EXIF data, etc.

Abstract: Hashes of metadata of digital photographs on, e.g., a removable camera memory are compared against values in a hash table representing previously stored photographs on an archive computer to ensure that only previously unstored photos are copied onto the archive computer.

Abstract: A method and arrangement is provided for creating a tutorial for troubleshooting a software application. The method begins by saving captured display screens of a software application operating on the respective versions of the hardware device in one or more files. This step is repeated for each of a plurality of different versions of a hardware device. Next, each of the files for the plurality of different versions of the hardware device is distributed so that they are accessible to a plurality of help centers. In this way customer support can be provided to users of any of the plurality of different versions of the hardware device.