Abstract: A client computer sends application information about a software application to a server system. The server system performs a comparison between the application information about the software application and the most-updated upgrade package for the software application. The most-updated upgrade package for the software application is stored in a part database. The most-updated upgrade package for the software application is received by the client system automatically when the comparison indicates that the most-updated upgrade package has not been installed on the client system. A client database stores a plurality of configuration files for a plurality of client systems. A first configuration file provides the sever system with the knowledge of the software applications installed on the client system. The application information about the software application comprises version information of the software applications and is stored in a database in the client system.

Abstract: A client computer sends application information about a software application to a server system. The server system performs a comparison between the application information about the software application and the most-updated upgrade package for the software application. The most-updated upgrade package for the software application is stored in a part database. The most-updated upgrade package for the software application is received by the client system automatically when the comparison indicates that the most-updated upgrade package has not been installed on the client system. A client database stores a plurality of configuration files for a plurality of client systems. A first configuration file provides the sever system with the knowledge of the software applications installed on the client system. The application information about the software application comprises version information of the software applications and is stored in a database in the client system.

Abstract: A method for remotely updating software in a plurality of computer systems is disclosed. In one embodiment, a client computer sends application information about a software application to a server system. The server system performs a comparison between the application information about the software application and the most-updated upgrade package for the software application. The most-updated upgrade package for the software application is stored in a part database. The most-updated upgrade package for the software application is received by the client system automatically when the comparison indicates that the most-updated upgrade package has not been installed on the client system. A client database stores a plurality of configuration files for a plurality of client systems. A first configuration file provides the sever system with the knowledge of the software applications installed on the client system.

Abstract: A method for remotely updating software in a plurality of computer systems is disclosed. In one embodiment, a client computer sends application information about a software application to a server system. The server system performs a comparison between the application information about the software application and the most-updated upgrade package for the software application. The most-updated upgrade package for the software application is stored in a part database. The most-updated upgrade package for the software application is received by the client system automatically when the comparison indicates that the most-updated upgrade package has not been installed on the client system. A client database stores a plurality of configuration files for a plurality of client systems. A first configuration file provides the sever system with the knowledge of the software applications installed on the client system.

Abstract: A method for remotely updating software in a plurality of computer systems is disclosed. In one embodiment, a client computer sends application information about a software application to a server system. The server system performs a comparison between the application information about the software application and the most-updated upgrade package for the software application. The most-updated upgrade package for the software application is stored in a part database. The most-updated upgrade package for the software application is received by the client system automatically when the comparison indicates that the most-updated upgrade package has not been installed on the client system. A client database stores a plurality of configuration files for a plurality of client systems. A first configuration file provides the sever system with the knowledge of the software applications installed on the client system.

Abstract: A client computer is described that may send application information about a software application to a server system. The server system performs a comparison between the application information about the software application and the most-updated upgrade package for the software application. The most-updated upgrade package for the software application is stored in a part database. The most-updated upgrade package for the software application is received by the client system automatically when the comparison indicates that the most-updated upgrade package has not been installed on the client system. A client database stores a plurality of configuration files for a plurality of client systems. A first configuration file provides the sever system with the knowledge of the software applications installed on the client system. The application information about the software application comprises version information of the software applications and is stored in a database in the client system.

Abstract: A method for remotely updating software in a plurality of computer systems is disclosed. In one embodiment, a client computer sends application information about a software application to a server system. The server system performs a comparison between the application information about the software application and the most-updated upgrade package for the software application. The most-updated upgrade package for the software application is stored in a part database. The most-updated upgrade package for the software application is received by the client system automatically when the comparison indicates that the most-updated upgrade package has not been installed on the client system. A client database stores a plurality of configuration files for a plurality of client systems. A first configuration file provides the sever system with the knowledge of the software applications installed on the client system.

Abstract: A method for remotely updating software in a plurality of computer systems is disclosed. In one embodiment, a client computer sends application information about a software application to a server system. The server system performs a comparison between the application information about the software application and the most-updated upgrade package for the software application. The most-updated upgrade package for the software application is stored in a part database. The most-updated upgrade package for the software application is received by the client system automatically when the comparison indicates that the most-updated upgrade package has not been installed on the client system. A client database stores a plurality of configuration files for a plurality of client systems. A first configuration file provides the sever system with the knowledge of the software applications installed on the client system.

Abstract: A method to remotely update software for a plurality of client system is disclosed. A client system sends a request for an upgrade to a server system. The request includes a unique identification that is recognized by the server system as belonging to the client system. In response, the server system sends an instruction to the client system that directs the client system to collect application information about the software application installed on the client system. The client system sends the application information to the server system. The server system performs a comparison between the application information about the software application and the most-updated upgrade package for the software application. The server system sends the most-updated upgrade package for the software application to the client system.

Abstract: A method of providing a preconfigured computer system to a user commences with the installation of first and second applications on the computer system. The computer system is then configured to restrict access to the first application by a user, so as to inhibit ready and convenient execution of the first application by the user. However, access to the second application is not restricted, so that this second application can be executed or invoked in a usual and convenient manner. The computer system is then supplied to an end user, with the first and second of applications installed thereon. Responsive to a subsequent request from the user, the restrictions on the access to the first application are removed so as not to inhibit the execution of the first application by the user.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for configuring a hard disk drive accessible by computer system increase the robustness and reliability of the computer system, so as to reduce technical support requirements and costs for the computer system. A first partition is defined within the disk drive that supports a first operating environment of the computer system. The content of this first partition is protected from both user modification, software modification and corruption by various mechanisms. Specifically, the first partition is protected from user modification when the first partition is active, in that the user is prevented from modifying the content of the first partition when the partition is active. A second partition is also defined on the storage device that supports a second operating environment of the computer system. Unlike the first partition, the content of the second partition is modifiable by the user, and the user is accordingly able to store applications and data within the second partition.