Abstract: A method includes receiving content and a license to the content at a storage system, receiving a request from a user system for the storage system to send the content and license to the user system, and sending the content and license from the storage system to the user system. Another method includes requesting content and a license to the content, receiving the content and license at a user system, requesting from the user system that the content and license be sent to a storage system, and requesting from the user system that the storage system send the content item to a second user system. In one embodiment, code could be used to perform a method that includes requesting content and a license to the content from a content provider, storing the content and license at a user system and a storage system, and requesting that the storage system send the content to another user system.

Abstract: An improved system and method are disclosed for the backup and restoration of data. An init image is created for a new system. Data is uploaded from a current system and a data image is generated. The resulting data image and the init image are combined to create a combined data image, which is then stored on an on-line backup host. A copy of the combined data image is transferred to the new system. The uploaded data is extracted from the copy of the combined data image and stored on the new system in the same location as the original system. Metadata describing the location of the combined data on the new system is captured and then applied to the combined data image stored on the on-line backup host. The extracted data on the new system is compared to the current data on the original system and the new system is updated. A differential backup is performed on the new system and then uploaded to the on-line backup host, where it is associated with the combined data image.

Abstract: A method includes receiving content and a license to the content at a storage system, receiving a request from a user system for the storage system to send the content and license to the user system, and sending the content and license from the storage system to the user system. Another method includes requesting content and a license to the content, receiving the content and license at a user system, requesting from the user system that the content and license be sent to a storage system, and requesting from the user system that the storage system send the content item to a second user system. In one embodiment, code could be used to perform a method that includes requesting content and a license to the content from a content provider, storing the content and license at a user system and a storage system, and requesting that the storage system send the content to another user system.

Abstract: Information handling system (IHS) personalization includes receiving a request for a replacement IHS. A plurality of customer IHS data is then collected. The plurality of customer IHS data is transferred to the replacement IHS during the manufacture of the replacement IHS. The replacement IHS is then provided to a user of the customer IHS data.

Abstract: An improved system and method are disclosed for the backup and restoration of data. An init image is created for a new system. Data is uploaded from a current system and a data image is generated. The resulting data image and the init image are combined to create a combined data image, which is then stored on an on-line backup host. A copy of the combined data image is transferred to the new system. The uploaded data is extracted from the copy of the combined data image and stored on the new system in the same location as the original system. Metadata describing the location of the combined data on the new system is captured and then applied to the combined data image stored on the on-line backup host. The extracted data on the new system is compared to the current data on the original system and the new system is updated. A differential backup is performed on the new system and then uploaded to the on-line backup host, where it is associated with the combined data image.

Abstract: In a data processing system, a method for fetching information through a data network includes the following steps: (1) receiving a user profile comprising user preferences; (2) using an agent for periodically accessing current information from the data network as specified in the user profile; (3) fetching the current information from the data network; and (4) modifying the stored time sensitive information according to the current information. The method can be implemented in various information processing systems or devices such as a portable computer or a server linked to the portable computer by a wireless or wireline communication link. According to another embodiment the invention may be realized by a computer readable medium including programming instructions for any suitable data processing apparatus.

Abstract: In a data processing system, a method for fetching information through a data network comprising: transmitting information to a client unit for causing the client unit to display a user interface enabling a user to enter user information relating to certain data items to be searched in the database and when to transmit the data items to the user; receiving the user information; creating a set of rules according to the user information received; searching at least one database for the data items specified by the user according to the rules; and transmitting the data items according to the rules. According to another embodiment the invention may be realized by a computer readable medium including programming instructions for any suitable data processing apparatus.

Abstract: A self configuring computer system, which configures and loads appropriate software to support custom configurations without manual intervention by the user or the manufacturer, is disclosed. The invention includes an "interrogation" module, stored on a system disk and loaded when the computer is first activated, that scans the system for components requiring specific software to operate. The interrogation module obtains identification data from these components and, based thereon, enables a startup module to select the appropriate software from a series of disk-based files. The startup module also executes configuration software having a characteristic naming pattern when the system is first activated, performs various one-time setup or configuration operations on at least the main system disk to render it compatible with the operating system, and selects the proper version of the operating system for the purchased system.

Abstract: A computer system with an internal operating system located in ROM is initialized in that operating system but can also automatically be directly initialized in an operating system of choice such as one located on an external memory, that is, a diskette or fixed disk. The computer system may also automatically be directly initialized in an application running under the internal operating system and, if desired, initialization may automatically directly include a customized version of the internal operating system. These customizing features are obtained through a customization word located in permanent read/write memory.

Abstract: A computer system with read-only memory and permanent read/write memory provides the user with the capability of loading an alternate operating system at the conclusion of a session without turning the computer off and then on. A customization word with a system request (SR) bit is located in read/write memory and is set by routines located in ROM upon user request. A reinitialization is then forced which resets the SR bit and brings up the machine in the alternate operating system located in external memory on a diskette or fixed disk. A flexible initialization system is also disclosed providing customized initialization in a variety of operating systems and applications. The preferred customized initialization is maintained for future system start-ups due to the resetting of the SR bit.