Abstract: Some embodiments of using snapshotting and virtualization to perform tasks in a known and reproducible environment have been presented. A computing device generates a temporary snapshot of a state of a virtual machine. A session of the virtual machine is started on the computing device using the temporary snapshot. The temporary snapshot is automatically destroyed when the session is terminated, wherein any changes made to the state during the session are removed by destroying the temporary snapshot.

Abstract: Techniques for automatically launching a virtual machine associated with a client during startup are described herein. According to one embodiment, a virtual machine (VM) associated with a client is identified by a controller, in response to a message received by the controller from a client over a network indicating that the client is starting up. The VM may be one of a predetermined VM, a member of a group of VMs that are associated with the client, and a VM selected from a pool of VMs. The controller causes the associated VM to be launched automatically over the network as a part of a startup process of the client without user intervention. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: Techniques for automatically providing a client with access to a virtual machine associated with the client are described herein. According to one embodiment, a message is received by a controller from a client over a network indicating that the client is starting up. In response, the controller causes a connection to be automatically established between the client and a virtual machine (VM) associated with the client once the client has started up. The associated VM may be one of a predetermined VM, a member of a group of VMs that are associated with the client, and a VM selected from a pool of VMs. As a result, a user of the client can instantly access contents provided by the associated VM without having to manually log onto a Web portal in order to select the associated VM to be launched. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: Techniques for automatically providing a client with access to a virtual machine associated with the client are described herein. According to one embodiment, a message is received by a controller from a client over a network indicating that the client is starting up. In response, the controller causes a connection to be automatically established between the client and a virtual machine (VM) associated with the client once the client has started up. The associated VM may be one of a predetermined VM, a member of a group of VMs that are associated with the client, and a VM selected from a pool of VMs. As a result, a user of the client can instantly access contents provided by the associated VM without having to manually log onto a Web portal in order to select the associated VM to be launched. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: Techniques for automatically launching a virtual machine associated with a client during startup are described herein. According to one embodiment, a virtual machine (VM) associated with a client is identified by a controller, in response to a message received by the controller from a client over a network indicating that the client is starting up. The VM may be one of a predetermined VM, a member of a group of VMs that are associated with the client, and a VM selected from a pool of VMs. The controller causes the associated VM to be launched automatically over the network as a part of a startup process of the client without user intervention. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: Some embodiments of using snapshotting and virtualization to perform tasks in a known and reproducible environment have been presented. A computing device generates a temporary snapshot of a state of a virtual machine. A session of the virtual machine is started on the computing device using the temporary snapshot. The temporary snapshot is automatically destroyed when the session is terminated, wherein any changes made to the state during the session are removed by destroying the temporary snapshot.

Abstract: A method of providing redundancy and load sharing among multiple LECSs in an ATM network. The method creates and maintains a plurality of lists on each of the switches. Each list is an ordered set of LECSs that combine to create an active LECS list. The network is divided into a plurality of groups wherein each group is assigned one of the active LECS lists. The order of each active LECS list is unique in that no two groups have the same order of LECS. The first LECS on each list has the highest priority and is always the first choice when a request to join a VLAN is received from one of the connected LECs. If the primary lECS fails or cannot be reached for any reason, the switches utilize the second LECS on the list. Splitting up the network into multiple groups and assigning different lists serves to provide load sharing among the LECS. In the event the currently active LECS fails, the next on the list takes overt thus providing redundancy.