Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for customizing a disk image. A base image is booted and the desired customizations are applied and captured using a known method. A maintenance environment is booted and a builder module incorporates the captured customizations into an integrated package. If user input is required then custom menus are also defined. A target operating system, independent of the base image, is hooked to invoke an injector module. The operating system is booted from the maintenance environment thereby invoking the injector module. The customizations from the integrated package together with any obtained from the custom menus are injected into the operating system. A customized image of the operating system is then saved, to be deployed to other computers or further customized as required.

Abstract: A system, method, and program product is provided that passively detects the existence of wireless networks in proximity to a wireless signal detector. A determination is made as to whether the detected wireless networks are encrypted or unencrypted. For those wireless networks that are unencrypted, a restriction level that applies to the unencrypted network is identified. The user is then notified when an unencrypted and unrestricted wireless network is detected.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for customizing a disk image. A base image is booted and the desired customizations are applied and captured using a known method. A maintenance environment is booted and a builder module incorporates the captured customizations into an integrated package. If user input is required then custom menus are also defined. A target operating system, independent of the base image, is hooked to invoke an injector module. The operating system is booted from the maintenance environment thereby invoking the injector module. The customizations from the integrated package together with any obtained from the custom menus are injected into the operating system. A customized image of the operating system is then saved, to be deployed to other computers or further customized as required.

Abstract: A system, method, and program product is provided that passively detects the existence of wireless networks in proximity to a wireless signal detector. A determination is made as to whether the detected wireless networks are encrypted or unencrypted. For those wireless networks that are unencrypted, a restriction level that applies to the unencrypted network is identified. The user is then notified when an unencrypted and unrestricted wireless network is detected.

Abstract: A method for deploying software in a computer system includes providing a deployment maintenance mechanism (DMM) which includes drivers for hardware. A deployment mechanism which includes an image with drivers for hardware and which identifies hardware associated with the computer, along with a native operating system, are also provided. For hardware detected by the deployment mechanism and not having an associated driver in the image, a driver from the DMM is copied into the deployment mechanism using the native operating system. The native operating system is then re-booted to deploy drivers for hardware associated with the computer.

Abstract: A compact apparatus for digital imaging of luminescent materials is provided. The apparatus can be readily transported by an individual and features a system of collapsible or foldable elements which allow it to be stored in a compact conliguration when not in use. The apparatus is contained within a case which when opened allows the apparatus to be placed into a use configuration by unfolding or otherwise extending the elements of the apparatus. The apparatus is useful for imaging a variety of materials and samples in life science applications.

Abstract: A method of improving the mechanical properties of a metal or metallic alloy or metallic composition which has been strengthened by inclusion therein of a dispersed non-metallic phase, comprising the steps of subjecting the metal, alloy or composition to cold-working and subsequently annealing, the extent of cold-working being such that the recrystallization effected during annealing results in an elongated grain structure highly oriented in the direction of working.