Abstract: A system and method for implementing and training network-based artificial intelligence functions is provided, wherein the signals within an artificial neural network are encoded as strings of symbols such as alphanumeric characters, rather than as numerical weighting values, and accordingly propagated by table functions rather than by summation or sigmoid functions used to handle weighting values. Further, a method is provided for training networks through an evolutionary winnowing and cross-hybridizing process. This different approach to artificial networking is inspired by the biology of genetics, combined with that of neurons, and is anticipated to improve the efficiency and nuance of AI modeling.

Abstract: A method, system and computer-readable medium are provided for enabling the organization, presentation and selection of icons related to information technology processes. In a first version, icons related to individual information technology processes are associated with an enclosing icon displayed by a computer. The user may direct the computer to display or cease displaying the icons by selecting the enclosing icon. In a second version the enclosing icon may be associated with another enclosing icon, wherein icons are organized into a presentation hierarchy. In a third version, the icons may be personalized by associating textual, graphical and/or photographic data as provided by the user.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and system for locally or remotely monitoring any system process or user action on a specific computer device, recording data that summarizes any patterns in usage, and displaying recommendation to the user of actions that could be taken, and products that could be purchased that would in any way better the overall user experience. Possibilities for such a system are quite broad, some examples include identifying out-of-date software which possesses both security and system performance issues, identifying the “type of user” and suggesting alternate more appropriate pieces of software and hardware that would better suit the user, for example suggesting a more powerful graphics processor for a serious gamer, an upgrade in RAM for a high intensity analyst, an easier to use software suite for a casual user, an upgraded battery for a smart phone when the batter is often low, a reminder to restart your device occasionally for system updates, etc.

Abstract: A method system and computer product are provided to drive a process that includes powering up the computer; executing a basic input output system procedure; requesting information about and/or from a user; receiving information about and/or from the user; offering access to at least one computational functionality by the computer at least partly on the basis of the received information; and fulfilling the boot-up procedure. The offering of access to at least one computational functionality may include visually presenting an image to the user that when selected directs the computer to launch an associated software program and/or initiate a web service or a communications session. The computational functionality may include or provide accessibility to a web service via the Internet and/or establishing and maintaining a communications session.

Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) presents a primary icon in a minimal visual area of a video display screen of a computer. Selecting the primary icon directs the computer to display a line of segments, where each segment associated with one or more software programs or electronic documents. The GUI allows a user to directly access items of visual and/or audio media by selecting one or more documents or software programs associated with a selected segment. The GUI optionally allows selected a line or segment for transmission from the computer to another computer, wherein copies one or more documents or software applications are transmitted to the second computer.

Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) presents a primary icon in a minimal visual area of a video display screen of a computer. Selecting the primary icon directs the computer to display a line of segments, where each segment associated with one or more software programs or electronic documents. The GUI allows a user to directly access items of visual and/or audio media by selecting one or more documents or software programs associated with a selected segment. The GUI optionally allows selected a line or segment for transmission from the computer to another computer, wherein copies one or more documents or software applications are transmitted to the second computer.

Abstract: A method, system and computer-readable medium are provided for enabling the organization, presentation and selection of icons related to information technology processes on the basis of frequency of launching of applications or use of services related the selected icons. In a first version, certain icons related to individual information technology processes are associated with an enclosing icon displayed by a computer at least partly on the basis of a history of frequency of use of applications software or related services. The user may direct the computer to display or cease displaying the icons by selecting the enclosing icon. In a second version the enclosing icon may be additionally or alternately associated with and/or disassociated from the enclosing icon at least partly on the basis of user instruction. In a third version, the selected icons may be personalized by associating textual, graphical and/or photographic data as provided by the user.

Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) presents a primary icon in a minimal visual area of a video display screen of a computer. Selecting the primary icon directs the computer to display a line of segments, where each segment associated with one or more software programs or electronic documents. The GUI allows a user to directly access items of visual and/or audio media by selecting one or more documents or software programs associated with a selected segment. The GUI optionally allows selected a line or segment for transmission from the computer to another computer, wherein copies one or more documents or software applications are transmitted to the second computer.

Abstract: A method, system and computer-readable medium are provided for enabling the organization, presentation and selection of icons related to information technology processes. In a first version, icons related to individual information technology processes are associated with an enclosing icon displayed by a computer. The user may direct the computer to display or cease displaying the icons by selecting the enclosing icon. In a second version the enclosing icon may be associated with another enclosing icon, wherein icons are organized into a presentation hierarchy. In a third version, the icons may be personalized by associating textual, graphical and/or photographic data as provided by the user.

Abstract: A method, system and computer-readable media for enabling a user of a computer to initiate a defragmentation process of a hard disc of a hard disc drive are provided. One version of the method includes (a.) presenting an icon identifying a defragmentation process, the presentation comprised within a desktop startup display of a computer; and (b.) in response to only a single action performed by a user, directing the computer to execute the defragmentation process. The single action may be a depression of, i.e., a clicking, a button of a computer mouse, a pointing device, or a television remote control, or of a key on a key pad of a computer. The computer may be a personal computer, a wireless telephone, a computer game console, a digital television, or a personal digital assistant.

Abstract: A method, system and computer-readable medium are provided for enabling the organization, presentation and selection of icons related to information technology processes. In a first version, icons related to individual information technology processes are associated with an enclosing icon displayed by a computer. The user may direct the computer to display or cease displaying the icons by selecting the enclosing icon. In a second version the enclosing icon may be associated with another enclosing icon, wherein icons are organized into a presentation hierarchy. In a third version, the icons may be personalized by associating textual, graphical and/or photographic data as provided by the user.

Abstract: A method system and computer product are provided to drive a process that includes powering up the computer; executing a basic input output system procedure; requesting information about and/or from a user; receiving information about and/or from the user; offering access to at least one computational functionality by the computer at least partly on the basis of the received information; and fulfilling the boot-up procedure. The offering of access to at least one computational functionality may include visually presenting an image to the user that when selected directs the computer to launch an associated software program and/or initiate a web service or a communications session. The computational functionality may include or provide accessibility to a web service via the Internet and/or establishing and maintaining a communications session.

Abstract: A method system and computer product are provided to drive a process that includes the aspects of method generating an executed license agreement by presenting a licensing offer via a computer and receiving an acceptance by a user of the computer of the licensing offer. The licensing offer may apply to one or more products, software programs, or software services. A web service may alternatively or additionally be authorized by the licensing offer upon receipt of an acceptance by the user of the licensing offer.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer-readable medium for enabling a user to direct a computational device to store a desired sequence of launch of software applications stored within, or accessible to, the computational device are provided. The user may direct the computational device to initiate a boot-up of an operating system of the computational device while integrating a launch of software applications as instructed by the stored sequence of launch. The computational device may be enabled for communication with an electronic communications network, e.g., the Internet or a telephony system, and at least software application may be downloaded from the electronic communications network. The additional application may be downloaded from a server upon direction of an OEM, marketer or other member of the stream commerce from which the computer was acquired or provided.

Abstract: A system, method and computer-readable are provided for presenting visual icons on a display screen of a computer. In one aspect of the present invention, an arrangement of certain icons forms a reference display configuration. A user may then direct the hosting computer to return a desktop image back to the reference display configuration. In another optional aspect the user may either form or reconfigure the reference display configuration by capturing a configuration of a current or previous desktop image. In still another optional aspect of the invention the user may provide input to the computer information and/or commands that enable the computer to generate a first, second or other alternate display configuration.

Abstract: A system, method and computer-readable media for enabling verbal communications between a computer user and a support representative are provided. In a computer network comprising a computer and a support workstation, the method includes (a.) receiving a support request at a workstation via a computer network, (b.) initiating a communications session between the computer and the workstation; and (c.) establishing a real time verbal discussion between a user of the computer and an operator of the workstation, wherein the operator attempts to support the user in achieving a goal by means of the computer network. Optionally, the support representative may send and/or receive graphical and textual information, to include screen shots and graphical user interface instructions.

Abstract: A system and method for selecting gadgets for enablement during or related to a consumer's out-of-the-box experience with a newly purchased computational device are provided. Information and selections provided or input by the user direct the computer to select or identify one or more gadgets for presentation to the user. Two or more profiles each include at least one gadget; the information and selections received from the user are compared to aspects of the profiles to determine user-profile matches. Each match with a profile causes the device to make the user aware of and/or enable user accessibility to one or more gadgets associated with each matching profile. The user may self select one or more profiles and/or may provide data that upon directs the device to select one or profile, wherein gadgets associated with each selected profile may be made accessible and/or at least partially downloaded from the Internet.

Abstract: A method, system and computer-readable media for enabling a user of a computer to initiate a defragmentation process of a hard disc of a hard disc drive are provided. One version of the method includes (a.) presenting an icon identifying a defragmentation process, the presentation comprised within a desktop startup display of a computer; and (b.) in response to only a single action performed by a user, directing the computer to execute the defragmentation process. The single action may be a depression of, i.e., a clicking, a button of a computer mouse, a pointing device, or a television remote control, or of a key on a key pad of a computer. The computer may be a personal computer, a wireless telephone, a computer game console, a digital television, or a personal digital assistant.

Abstract: A system, method and computer-readable media for associating additional fuctionalities with a sidebar GUI of a computational device are included. An operating system may be provided that includes a sidebar software that will typically have limitations that are intended or unintended by the operating system developer. A user may wish to extend the capabilities that are associated with the sidebar in the interest of usability, efficiency and/or GUI appeal. The method of the present invention may provide a gadget which enables access to the sidebar, while associating additional capabilities with the sidebar. Alternately or additionally, a reseller of the operating system or a third party software provider, may offer software products that enable access to the functionality of the sidebar as provided by the sidebar developer, while associating additional capabilities with a display of the sidebar or an icon representative of a sidebar or sidebar functionality.

Abstract: A method, system and computer-readable medium are provided to enable in an electronic communications network comprising a client system, an order processing computer and a plurality of fulfillment systems, a method for processing purchase requests. The method may include (a.) providing a managed client with user interface and navigation on the client system to a user, the user interface enabling a user to place purchase requests via the client system; (b.) transmitting at least one purchase request from the client system to the order processing computer; and (c.) enabling the order processing computer to direct at least one fulfillment system to execute at least one aspect of the at least one purchase request. The at least one fulfillment system may authorize an execution of a software by the client system, authorize a webservice, and/or a download of data to the client system.