Abstract: A method of selecting a network connection for use with a data processing system includes detecting environmental information indicative of a current environment in which the system is operating, determining whether the current environment is a known environment, and, rapidly selecting a current network connection by identifying a known environment network connection. Detecting environmental information may include detecting time information and detecting whether specified hardware (e.g., docking station, external monitor, printer, external network adapter) is present. The determining may include accessing a network connection data structure containing historical network connection information. The network connection data structure may include a plurality of records, each record identifying an environmental state and a network connection used in conjunction with the respective environmental state.

Abstract: A portable computer searches for preprogrammed wireless stations when it boots, and if it does not recognize any, stops booting the O.S. so that data cannot be accessed. In this way, should the portable computer be stolen and removed from its intended vicinity, data on the computer cannot be accessed by the thief.

Abstract: An arrangement facilitating the connection of a client to a network through an access point, particularly in an area with overlapping 0.11n channels. Preferably, a client may communicate with two access points and “ask” one of them to stop transmitting long enough so as to facilitate communication with the other access point. Current specifications otherwise provide no workable arrangement for handling overlapping channels.

Abstract: A method, computer program product and system for handling the use of multiple 802.11n channels in a location where there are a small number of available channels. An access point (“access point A”) having a client (“client A”) located solely within its coverage area and another client (“client B”) located within its coverage area and a coverage area of an adjacent access point (“access point B”) may receive a request to hold back 802.11n traffic from client B. Client B sends such a request since it is prevented from communicating with access point B using the 802.11n standard due to the interference from access point A communicating with client A using the 802.11n standard. As a result, access point A switches its standard of operation from using the 802.11n standard to communicate with client A to a standard that uses a bandwidth of 22 MHz (e.g., 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g standards).

Abstract: A power adaptor for a computer discovers the power environment when it is plugged into a socket and sends a signal to the computer along the power line indicating the environment, so that the computer can configure operations accordingly.

Abstract: A method of configuring a communication card in a computer system comprises retrieving information relating to a country in which the computer system will be used from the computer system into the communication card. Based on the retrieved information, the communication card selects a configuration setting from a plurality of configuration settings stored in the communication card, and loads the selected configuration setting into memory in the communication card.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing an access point in a wireless network to operate at maximum speed includes determining if there is at least one client within the network that is operating at less than the maximum speed. If there is, then instruct the at least one client to decrease transmission range until the at least one client is no longer in range of the access point. Then, instruct a client at the maximum speed to interface with the at least one client to provide a peer-to-peer connection wherein the maximum speed client acts as an access point for the at least one client.

Abstract: A device that requires a regulatory label includes a label affixed to a surface of the device and a marking mechanism in the device that detects a configuration setting associated with the device and alters a portion of the label based on the configuration setting such that the label indicates information related to the configuration setting of the device.

Abstract: A circuit board is mounted within a housing in a resilient manner to minimize the introduction of stresses warping the circuit board as the housing is warped or as a circuit board warped during its manufacture is mounted within the housing. The housing includes spaced apart mounting pads between which screw inserts extend as rigid columns through mounting holes within the circuit board. The surfaces of the mounting holes slide on the surfaces of the screw inserts, with the circuit board being resiliently held by resilient pads between its surfaces and the mounting pads.