Abstract: A system and method for orderly installing hardware devices and associated software drivers in a networked environment on client computers having only local plug-and-play installers. The preferred embodiment teaches the use of a web browser, web server, and network access point device to mount and manage the installation of various hardware devices for use by selected computers participating in the associated local network.

Abstract: A modular computer system (20) including a universal connectivity station (UCS) (22) having a processor (42) interconnecting a plurality of physically remote modules including a PDA (36) and Smartphone (38), and a display (34). Each module of the modular computer system (20) appear to each device to be interconnected to the other. The UCS (22) enables the PDA (36) and Smartphone (38) to drive the display (38). The UCS (22) is also connectable to a data network via a network interface (54). External control devices including a keyboard (50) and mouse (52) may also control the UCS (22). The UCS (22) may translate the keyboard inputs to keystrokes, and mouse movements clicks to cursor movements and stylus taps for visually rendering on the PDA and Smartphone.

Abstract: A modular computer system (20) including a universal connectivity station (UCS) (22) having a processor (42) interconnecting a plurality of physically remote modules including a PDA (36) and Smartphone (38), and a display (34). Each module of the modular computer system (20) appear to each device to be interconnected to the other. The UCS (22) enables the PDA (36) and Smartphone (38) to drive the display (38). External control devices including a keyboard (50) and mouse (52) may also control the UCS (22). The UCS (22) may translate the keyboard inputs to keystrokes, and mouse movements clicks to cursor movements and stylus taps for visually rendering on the PDA and Smartphone.