Abstract: A wireless device that desires to be connected to a wireless network broadcasts itself and its capabilities to a network using an information element. The information element is provided with frames, such as management frames, in a channel that is not protected or encrypted. The information element is forwarded to one or more potential registrar devices. One of the registrar devices then provides configuration information to the enrollee, for example as a registrar information element. The configuration information may be passed out of band or in band, and may be passed using cryptography, which may involve public key cryptography, encryption with a PIN, or some other type of secure exchange.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for simplified creation of, connection to, and termination from an ad hoc wireless network. Graphical user interfaces are used to guide users though creation and joining ad hoc network. The option to share one user's Internet connection with the entire ad hoc network is also described. The ad hoc networks described can provide some managed services traditionally unavailable in ad hoc networks, such as IP address assignment and name resolution services. The ad hoc networks can be created with termination criteria, such that a computer's connection to the ad hoc network is automatically terminated and previous network configuration settings are restored when one or a combination of termination criteria are met.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a computer readable medium having computer executable instructions for synchronizing files between at least two portable media devices. A connection is established between one of at least two portable media devices and a portable synchronization device. A synchronization manager is initiated comprising predetermined instructions for synchronizing portable media devices. Based upon the instructions of the synchronization manager, and without requesting real-time user input, a determination is made whether to copy a file on the one of the at least two portable media devices. The file is ultimately transferred to another of the at least two portable media devices if the synchronization manager determines that the file should be transferred. A method is also provided comprising these steps. A portable media synchronization device is also provided for synchronizing at least two portable media devices.

Abstract: The task of configuring a thin client device for networking functionality and connectivity is simplified using a portable computer-readable media device to transfer and automatically load RF interference data into a provisioning device. A wireless radio frequency channel that is usable for the wireless protocol to be employed by the device and which is not currently experiencing prohibitive RF interference is selected by the provisioning device based on the interference data. The portable media device includes, in an embodiment of the invention, a spectrum chip and its support electronics such as a radio receiver and receive-chain processor, to analyze ongoing local RF emissions/transmissions to identify a channel having the least interference.

Abstract: An extensible architecture for untrusted medium (e.g., wireless) device configuration via trusted medium. The architecture can be employed to associate a device that utilizes an untrusted medium (e.g., wireless connection). Association is effected using a trusted medium, for example, a wired connection. The architecture can facilitate configuration of the device to communicate (e.g., securely) via an untrusted medium (e.g., wireless connection). Configuration of the device can be based, at least in part, upon information exchanged via a trusted medium (e.g., wired connection). The device can send an association request to a driver and receives an association response from the driver. If the association is successful, the association response can include, for example, configuration information (e.g., encryption key) to enable the device to communicate (e.g., securely) via the untrusted medium. If the association is unsuccessful, the association response can include, for example, error information.

Abstract: Systems and methodologies that facilitate obtaining a digital certificate from a Certificate Authority, by using a well defined protocol exchanged between a user machine and the Certificate Authority. The well defined protocol employs; a purchasing component and an update component. Once a user has obtained a domain name, the purchasing component can be used to query the Certificate Authority for terms of the service plans to issue the digital certificate and to programmatically create and transmit a certificate signing request. The purchase component will also allow the signed certificate to be configured on the requesting cluster of machines. The update component can provide a revised and/or updated list of contact information to the Certificate Authority in addition to revoking an existing certificate.

Abstract: Systems and methodologies that facilitate hosting of a domain name and access of users to the Internet, by using a well defined protocol to interact with a plurality of Dynamic Domain Name Service (DDNS) providers, via employing; a purchasing component and a status verifying component. Once a user has selected a domain name, the purchasing component can automatically query the provider(s) for terms of the service plan to host such domain name associated with dynamic IP addresses. The status verifying component can verify the IP address of the end user machine and supply it to the DDNS, to manage in-bound traffic to the user's domain name.

Abstract: Systems and methodologies that facilitate purchase and/or transfer of a domain name and access of users to the internet, by using a well defined protocol to interact with a plurality of domain name registrars, via employing; a purchasing component, and a mapping component. Once a user has identified a domain name, the purchasing component can automatically query the provider(s) for terms of the service plan to obtain such domain name. The mapping component can then point to a DNS provider designated to host such domain name, to manage in-bound traffic. The subject invention can also be implemented in web services based hosted solutions directory, for example by designation of a trusted on-line registry that registers a plurality of service providers to supply services to clients, with a secure communication between the clients and the trusted on-line registry for selection of a service provider.

Abstract: A method and system for configuring a new device are disclosed. The method includes using a host system to create a configuration file including data useable to configure the new device. A portable storage device is interfaced to the host and the configuration file is transferred to the storage device. The storage device is then interfaced to the new device and the configuration file is transferred to the new device. The configuration file is optionally used to configure the new device for communication over a network. A method for configuring the new device using a direct connection between the new device and a system bus of the host is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for configuring a new device are disclosed. The method includes using a host system to create a configuration file including data useable to configure the new device. A portable storage device is interfaced to the host and the configuration file is transferred to the storage device. The storage device is then interfaced to the new device and the configuration file is transferred to the new device. The configuration file is optionally used to configure the new device for communication over a network. A method for configuring the new device using a direct connection between the new device and a system bus of the host is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methodologies that facilitate hosting of a domain name and access of users to the internet, by using a well defined protocol to interact with a plurality of Domain Name Service (DNS) providers, via employing; a purchasing component, and a configuration component. Once a user has selected a domain name, the purchasing component can automatically query the provider(s) for terms of the service plan to host such domain name. The configuration component can configure various records to a user's designated machines or IP addresses, to manage in-bound traffic to the user's domain name.

Abstract: A method and system for configuring a new device are disclosed. The method includes using a host system to create a configuration file including data useable to configure the new device. A portable storage device is interfaced to the host and the configuration file is transferred to the storage device. The storage device is then interfaced to the new device and the configuration file is transferred to the new device. The configuration file is optionally used to configure the new device for communication over a network. A method for configuring the new device using a direct connection between the new device and a system bus of the host is also disclosed.

Abstract: A Universal Serial Bus (USB) device may comprise a controller including a USB interface and a USB connector in communication with the USB interface. The USB device may also comprise a decision component for receiving a credential, and in response to a valid credential, for providing access to an operation of the USB device.

Abstract: A Universal Serial Bus (USB) flash drive comprising a controller including a USB interface and a nonvolatile computer readable medium interface. The USB flash drive may also comprise a nonvolatile computer readable medium in communication with the nonvolatile computer readable medium interface and storing data and a USB connector in communication with the USB interface. The USB flash drive may also comprise a transmitter for transmitting at least a portion of data from the nonvolatile computer readable medium to an external device external to the USB flash drive. The transmitter may be substantially simultaneously operable with the USB connector, may send a modulated data signal, and/or may send the at least portion data in a compressed format.

Abstract: A memory device may comprise a nonvolatile computer readable medium, a near field communication wireless transmitter, a nonvolatile near field communication tag memory, a data input device and a controller. The nonvolatile computer readable medium is adapted to store data in a data block format. The near field communication wireless transmitter is adapted to wireless transmit data to an external near field communication receiver. The nonvolatile near field communication tag memory is adapted to store data in a tag memory format.

Abstract: A handheld remote control device for a Media Computing Device has a biometric sensor to authenticate a user. The handheld remote control device includes a microphone and speaker to enable integration of a telephony system with the Media Computing Device. The handheld remote control device can be used as the interface with the Media Computing Device, alternatively, the handheld remote control device can be used as a speakerphone for communication in a telephony system that is integrated with the Media Computing Device. A multifunctional handheld remote control device can implement a variety of routines for interfacing with the Media Computing Device or alternatively for communicating in the telephony system.

Abstract: A computer-readable portable media device is used for transferring network settings for an ad hoc wireless network to simply the task of configuring devices for the ad hoc wireless network. A configuration program on an initiating computer assists a user in creating the network settings, including a security key, and incorporates the network settings in an XML file and writes the file in to the portable media device. The portable media device is then attached to a second device that is to join the ad hoc wireless network. The second device is automatically configured using the network settings on the portable media device for joining the ad hoc wireless network.

Abstract: A computer-readable portable media device is used for transferring network settings and other configuration data to a thin client network device to simply the task of configuring the thin client device for network connectivity and other functions. A configuration program on a personal computer assists a user in creating configuration data, including network settings, for the thin client device, generates an XML file containing the configuration data, and writes the XML file in to the portable media device. The portable media device is then attached to the thin client device. The thin client device detects the portable media device and automatically loads the configuration data from the XML file.

Abstract: A self-orienting display senses the characteristics of an object and automatically rotates and reformats a display image in accordance with those characteristics. In one embodiment, the object is the display device, such as a hand held device, that provides the display image. As the display device is rotated, the display image is automatically oriented to either a landscape orientation or a portrait orientation. Characteristics may be sensed by mechanical sensors, electrical sensors, optical sensors, acoustic sensors, gyroscopic sensors, or a combination thereof. Sensors may be positioned on the display device, a person, or a combination thereof. The display images may include graphic display images, textual display images, videos display images, and functional control buttons (e.g., functional displayed representations of control buttons such as play, rewind, stop, scroll). The self-orienting display may also include an authenticator that authenticates a user.

Abstract: A portable computer-readable media device and method of use enable automatic configuration of a computing device, such as a conventional network device or a thin client device, for operation in a network. Configuration information, including network settings and security information, is incorporated in an XML file written to the portable media device while it is installed in a first device. This configuration is then automatically transferred to a second device by installing the portable media device in the second device. The second device then writes device information, incorporated in an XML file, to the portable media device, to be uploaded to the first device.