Abstract: According to examples described herein computer devices coupled to a network can be automatically configured. Systems information is gathered from a plurality of computer devices by way of one or more of an agent and a scout. This information is standardized and stored in one or more databases. A program function is determined from the standardized information. This program function is used to identify two different sets of computer programs installed on a set of networked computer devices. This configuration is then replaced by a configuration where only a single common computer program is used to perform the program function.

Abstract: According to examples described herein computer devices coupled to a network can be automatically configured. Systems information is gathered from a plurality of computer devices by way of one or more of an agent and a scout. This information is standardised and stored in one or more databases. A program function is determined from the standardised information. This program function is used to identify two different sets of computer programs installed on a set of networked computer devices. This configuration is then replaced by a configuration where only a single common computer program is used to perform the program function.

Abstract: A control lever assembly having a potentiometer is disclosed which has a light emitter (14) and a light collector (15) with a screen (12) located between the emitter (14) and the collector (15). The screen is moveable with a control lever so that by providing varying translucency along the screen, the intensity of light received by the collector (15) changes to thereby provide a changing output signal. The screen (12) is connected to a lever mounted for rotation to move the screen relative to the collector and emitter. The assembly is provided with a housing (22) which has slots (24, 27) joined by an opening (29). The lever is moveable in the respective slots, or from one slot to another through the opening (29) to control different parameters of a marine propulsion system. The lever may have a handle (25) which is rotatable relative to the lever to adjust a further parameter.