Abstract: A way of controlling sharing of files by portable devices is provided. A portable device is provided that comprises an interface to receive at least one file and a transfer count associated with the file from another device. The portable device further includes a controller that is communicatively coupled to the interface, the controller to allow transfer of the file based on the associated transfer count.

Abstract: A portable device receives content from a computer and a signature certificate. The signature certificate is derived from content after the content successfully passes a watermark screening process. The portable device compares the received signature certificate to the received content. The content is only played in the portable device when the received signature certificate authenticates the received content as passing the watermark screening process.

Abstract: Content is authenticated by generating signature certificates for content that has been successfully watermark screened. When a request is received for importation of content into a secured domain, a search is made in a signature certificates cache for a signature certificate associated with that requested content. If an identified signature certificate authenticates the requested content, the content is imported into the secured domain. If no signature certificate is identified, the content is watermark screened. If the content successfully passes the watermark screening process, a new signature certificate is then added to the signature certificate cache.

Abstract: A page table method that allows programming of flash memory without corrupting the translation lookaside buffers is described. Flash memory is used to store page tables and other data. In one embodiment of the invention, the page tables are shadowed in random access memory after system bootup to prevent the system from crashing in the event the page tables are accessed while the read only memory is being programmed. In a second embodiment of the invention, the translation lookaside buffers are pre-charged.

Abstract: A method for configuring a network appliance with instructions sent by e-mail. A mail recipient on the appliance, either a mail client or a mail server, receives an e-mail containing instructions. The appliance then configures itself according to the instructions. The instructions may be parsed into instructions at the appliance or the instructions may arrive in a command format that does not require parsing. The appliance may have a persistent network connection or may connect to the network occasionally.

Abstract: A page table method that allows programming of flash memory without corrupting the translation lookaside buffers is described. Flash memory is used to store page tables and other data. In one embodiment of the invention, the page tables are shadowed in random access memory after system bootup to prevent the system from crashing in the event the page tables are accessed while the read only memory is being programmed. In a second embodiment of the invention, the translation lookaside buffers are pre-charged.

Abstract: A way of controlling sharing of files by portable devices is provided. A portable device is provided that comprises an interface to receive at least one file and a transfer count associated with the file from another device. The portable device further includes a controller that is communicatively coupled to the interface, the controller to allow transfer of the file based on the associated transfer count.

Abstract: A digital music player. The player includes a memory capable of storing music files. The player has a user interface allowing a user to select and access the music files. A port on the player allows the user to establish a connection to other digital music players. The user can then send and receive music files without an intervening host.

Abstract: A method for managing a storage medium includes searching the storage medium for a first file having a reference to a second file that has moved to a new location on the storage medium. The reference is updated such that it indicates that the second file has moved to the new location.