Abstract: A multimedia driver architecture allows significant portions of the driver components to be shared across operating systems and hardware platforms.

Abstract: A multimedia driver architecture allows significant portions of the driver components to be shared across operating systems and hardware platforms.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments contemplate techniques for communicating a data stream. The inventive techniques include determining a first timeslot of a first data stream and determining a second timeslot of a second data stream. If the second data stream is greater than the second timeslot, a portion of the second data stream is moved to the first timeslot. In addition, the techniques may include controlling an amount of data storage as a function of the moved portion. Also, the techniques may monitor a size of the second data stream and a size of the second timeslot.

Abstract: An Internet-based computing and communications system includes a virtual desktop computer facility that resides on the Internet and is thereby available to its users at any time and from any location. The virtual desktop computer includes a suite of fully integrated web-based messaging, collaboration and personal information management applications. That system operates in conjunction with a buffer facility that can initiate simultaneous calls via multiple gateways anywhere on the Internet and which can, in turn, call regular telephone numbers as instructed over the Internet by users. An adaptive buffering technique reduces time delays and data-packet transmission over the Internet.