Abstract: Embodiments of the invention extend a network protocol that is limited to a local area network (LAN) and enable it to function across the Internet. A LAN protocol is limited to providing services or resources to users within the same LAN. Embodiments of the invention make it possible for those services and resources to be available to users beyond the LAN. Embodiments of the invention also concern establishing connectivity without discovery for local area network protocols.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention extend a network protocol that is limited to a local area network (LAN) and enable it to function across the Internet. A LAN protocol is limited to providing services or resources to users within the same LAN. Embodiments of the invention make it possible for those services and resources to be available to users beyond the LAN. Embodiments of the invention also concern establishing connectivity without discovery for local area network protocols.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the virtualization of appliances provides an embedded operating system (OS) which is included in the system boot ROM of a personal computer. When the system boots, the OS is launched and looks for all available virtual appliances from, for example, the following places: local USB, flash card, e.g. SD, xD, CF, CDROM/DVD, or other storage media; local hard disk storage; and the Internet, e.g. an appliance server. The user selects an appliance to use from the OS, whereupon the appliance is loaded and launched. If the selected appliance is not on a local storage, then it is downloaded, e.g. over the Internet from an appliance server. The downloaded appliance can be cached in local storage media such that, the next time it is needed, it need not be downloaded from the appliance server. The user can also elect to boot an operating system from the hard disk, if an operating system and hard disk are installed, or to power-off the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus allows multiple computer operating systems (OS) and/or personalities to run concurrently. An instant-on platform includes a resource management service, a caching service, a profile manager, a network stack which provides TCP/IP communication to the OS, and at least one appliance. The instant-on platform can be placed in the path of network and disk traffic between said user OS and actual system hardware. User selectable profiles and personalities are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for synchronizing different environments in response to a change in one of the environments. The term environment encompasses operating systems, virtual machines, and states. The synchronization functions when one environment controls a master file or the environments access a shared folder. The synchronization is one-way or two-ways. The synchronization applies to digital photos, personal information management data, shared maps and directions, documents, configuration data, network settings, browser data sync, account information for accessing the client, and local and web applications.

Abstract: An embedded operating system (OS) displays a user interface (UI) without waiting for the host OS to fully load. In one embodiment, the UI comprises icons for applications, advertisements, and browsers already configured with a URL. In one embodiment, the pre-configured browsers are set by the manufacturer. In another embodiment, the user can specify pre-configured browsers. In one embodiment, the icon owner pays for displaying an icon. The icon can be a static or a dynamic icon. Dynamic icons are downloaded from a file server.

Abstract: A Quick Search User Interface (UI) comprises a search entry field for inputting characters, e.g. search terms. The Quick Search UI further comprises icons that are graphical representations of applications. The Quick Search UI subsequently launches an operating system and passes the user action to the operating system. The operating system uses this information to generate search results comprising websites, program files, videos, etc. Alternatively, the operating system launches the application(s) selected by the user. Icons displayed on the user interface are ordered, for example, according to a company's willingness to pay more money for a more prominent spot or according to user preferences. The Quick Search UI can be customized using skins with themes, such as musicians, geographic locations, and/or products. The icons can be displayed according to which application provider pays the highest premium, or according to user preference.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for downloading a Virtualization Environment comprising an electronic programming guide (EPG) and an appliance environment onto a client. The EPG is launched from boot files stored in the hard disk or other boot media. The EPG comprises a user interface (UI) that is displayed to the user. The EPG UI comprises a plurality of icons that are graphical representations of virtual appliances. The EPG UI can also include a search entry field. A user can enter text into the search entry field and launch a search engine to obtain search results. The virtual appliances can be stored locally, for example on a hard drive or peripheral device, or they can be stored on a download server. The download server also contains the virtualization environment installer. An installation server scans the client to determine if the client contains the proper hardware and drivers for running the virtualization environment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the virtualization of appliances provides an embedded operating system (OS) which is included in the system boot ROM of a personal computer. When the system boots, the OS is launched and looks for all available virtual appliances from, for example, the following places: local USB, flash card, e.g. SD, xD, CF, CDROM/DVD, or other storage media; local hard disk storage; and the Internet, e.g. an appliance server. The user selects an appliance to use from the OS, whereupon the appliance is loaded and launched. If the selected appliance is not on a local storage, then it is downloaded, e.g. over the Internet from an appliance server. The downloaded appliance can be cached in local storage media such that, the next time it is needed, it need not be downloaded from the appliance server. The user can also elect to boot an operating system from the hard disk, if an operating system and hard disk are installed, or to power-off the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the virtualization of appliances provides an embedded operating system (OS) which is included in the system boot ROM of a personal computer. When the system boots, the OS is launched and looks for all available virtual appliances from, for example, the following places: local USB, flash card, e.g. SD, xD, CF, CDROM/DVD, or other storage media; local hard disk storage; and the Internet, e.g. an appliance server. The user selects an appliance to use from the OS, whereupon the appliance is loaded and launched. If the selected appliance is not on a local storage, then it is downloaded, e.g. over the Internet from an appliance server. The downloaded appliance can be cached in local storage media such that, the next time it is needed, it need not be downloaded from the appliance server. The user can also elect to boot an operating system from the hard disk, if an operating system and hard disk are installed, or to power-off the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the virtualization of appliances provides an embedded operating system (OS) which is included in the system boot ROM of a personal computer. When the system boots, the OS is launched and looks for all available virtual appliances from, for example, the following places: local USB, flash card, e.g. SD, xD, CF, CDROM/DVD, or other storage media; local hard disk storage; and the Internet, e.g. an appliance server. The user selects an appliance to use from the OS, whereupon the appliance is loaded and launched. If the selected appliance is not on a local storage, then it is downloaded, e.g. over the Internet from an appliance server. The downloaded appliance can be cached in local storage media such that, the next time it is needed, it need not be downloaded from the appliance server. The user can also elect to boot an operating system from the hard disk, if an operating system and hard disk are installed, or to power-off the system.