Abstract: A method for managing a network, the network comprising partitioning the network into at least one subnet, the at least one subnet including a plurality of clients, selecting one of the plurality of clients to be operable as a subnet controller, and selecting another of the plurality of clients to be operable as a successor subnet controller, the subnet controller and the successor subnet controller being operable for determining health of the plurality of clients within the at least one subnet.

Abstract: A system and method for providing network access includes identifying an available network resource, providing an access token to the available network resource, tracking the access token, and terminating the access token.

Abstract: A method and system for searching a network in which a server locates an idle client coupled to the network to perform a search, receives an acceptance notification from the client, stores the search status and stores the search result.

Abstract: Methods and systems for updating operating systems are disclosed. A computer includes a disk drive that stores an operating system to be updated. The computer creates a backup image of a first partition of the disk drive, then deletes the first partition to create free space on the disk drive. The computer also places an image of a maintenance operating system into the free space, wherein the maintenance operating system is operable to manage an operating system update. Thereafter, the computer updates the stored operating system under control of the maintenance operating system.