Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a network controller to communicate with a network. The apparatus may also include a storage device that is coupled to the network controller to store a cryptographically signed unique network identifier.

Abstract: Techniques to pace the transmission of packets to multiple connections using one or more queues or storages. When multiple queues are used, each queue may have an associated throughput rate and each of the queues may have a different associated throughput rate.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided that may include one or more operations. The one or more operations may comprise determining whether to supply to circuitry one or more actuating signals. The determining may be based, at least in part, upon one or more parameters issued from an authority that is remote from the circuitry. The one or more parameters may indicate, at least in part, one or more conditions under which the circuitry is to be powered up or deactivated. Many modifications, variations, and alternatives are possible without departing from this embodiment.

Abstract: Corrupted configuration data stored in a first memory for a device may be restored using backup configuration data stored in a second memory. In one embodiment, the second memory may be carried by the device itself. In another embodiment, the second memory may be carried on a motherboard and may store backup configuration data for more than one device. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: In some embodiments access to a non-volatile memory is controlled. If a received code matches an unlock code, write access to the non-volatile memory is allowed. If the received code does not match the unlock code, write access to the non-volatile memory is not allowed. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture, wherein in certain embodiments, an indicator is searched for in a computational platform, and wherein the indicator indicates an operational state of a device coupled to the computational platform. A determination is made that the indicator has been modified to disable the device. The indicator is modified to allow enablement of the disabled device. The device is tested to determine whether the device is capable of operating correctly.

Abstract: Provided is a method and system for managing data processing rates at a network adapter using a temperature sensor. A temperature of a component in the adapter transmitting data over a network is measured. A rate at which data is processed in the adapter over the network is reduced in response to determining that the measured temperature exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A method and system for providing controlled on-demand distribution of content via a centralized server and a peer-to-peer network have been described. The method may include receiving, at a server, a request from a client for content where the requesting client and the server are part of a peer-to-peer network. The server may then determine whether the requesting client has access rights to the content. If the requesting client has access rights to the content, then the server may determine one or more other clients on the peer-to-peer network that have the content available for download. The server may then select one or more clients from the one or more other clients and allow the requesting client to download the content from the selected one or more clients. Other embodiments have also been described and claimed.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed. In one embodiment the method comprises a first device determining whether a second device is permitted to be activated, the first device activating the second device if the second device is permitted to be activated, and the first device reducing the functionality of the second device if the second device is not permitted to be activated.

Abstract: Provided are a method, apparatus, system, and article of manufacture, wherein in certain embodiments a network adapter having an offload protocol stack receives a query. The offload protocol stack of the network adapter is configured to provide a programmable identity for the offload protocol stack of the network adapter. A response is generated to the query by processing the query in the configured offload protocol stack, wherein the response is based on the programmable identity. The generated response is sent by the network adapter.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture, wherein in certain embodiments, an indicator is searched for in a computational platform, and wherein the indicator indicates an operational state of a device coupled to the computational platform. A determination is made that the indicator has been modified to disable the device. The indicator is modified to allow enablement of the disabled device. The device is tested to determine whether the device is capable of operating correctly.

Abstract: Provided are a method, apparatus, system, and article of manufacture for interfacing a device to a host, wherein in certain embodiments a device interface in the device receives a request generated by a device driver in the host. The device interface processes the request, wherein a plurality of device interfaces corresponding to a plurality of devices are capable of processing the request. An operation associated with the device is executed, by the device interface, in response to processing the request.

Abstract: A directed audio system, a network interface communicatively coupled with a network, and a controller to receive, via the network interface, an estimate for a location from a locating device communicatively coupled with the network, and to cause the directed audio system to direct an audio signal based at least in part on an estimate for the location received from the locating device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and system to impart a distortion effect to a digital audio signal generated in response to vibrations of a strings of a stringed musical instrument. A communication adapter may transmit the digital audio signal in data frames over a transmission medium coupled to the musical instrument. One or more bits in at least some of the data frames may be modified to impart the distortion effect to the digital audio signal.

Abstract: A system and method for initialization of a computer system is described. Faster initialization of a computer system is possible by allowing certain device driver initialization tasks to overlap with other initialization and operating system tasks. option-ROMs resident on hardware device drivers define the initialization tasks to be performed prior to device driver initialization. Initial computer code for booting the computing device, such as a BIOS, is executed. As option-ROMs for hardware devices are scanned and executed, specific device initialization information is accessed from the devices and placed in pre-defined buffer areas. These accesses occur in parallel to other start up tasks. When device drivers are loaded, some of their initialization has already completed, thereby shortening the time necessary to boot the system.