Abstract: A software update method permits a local software update server to act as an update source for client computer systems in its local network. The local update server provides updates for one or more specified groups of client computers. In one disclosed embodiment, the method includes receiving software updates at a local server, receiving (at the local server) an update request from a client computer system and sending the client a list identifying one or more applicable updates (e.g., a catalog of available update packages) based on the client computer's membership in one or more of a plurality of user groups. In another embodiment, a single local server may supply update services for client computer systems belonging to a plurality of specified computer groups.

Abstract: A software update method permits a local software update server to act as an update source for client computer systems in its local network. The local update server provides updates for one or more specified groups of client computers. In one disclosed embodiment, the method includes receiving software updates at a local server, receiving (at the local server) an update request from a client computer system and sending the client a list identifying one or more applicable updates (e.g., a catalog of available update packages) based on the client computer's membership in one or more of a plurality of user groups. In another embodiment, a single local server may supply update services for client computer systems belonging to a plurality of specified computer groups.

Abstract: A software update method permits a local software update server to act as a update source for client computer systems in its local network. The local update server provides updates for one or more specified groups of client computers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for automatic system setup. At least one embodiment of the present invention stores the setup configuration information (e.g., in files and/or in directory servers). The setup configuration information is stored (e.g., using a configuration file naming scheme) so that the configuration information for a particular machine can be found. A setup daemon on the machine searches for suitable configuration information in a number of places, such as: in a location in a local file system, in locations in mounted file volumes, and directory servers. The configuration information may be encrypted, and the setup daemon searches for the decryption key in a similar fashion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for automatic system setup. At least one embodiment of the present invention stores the setup configuration information (e.g., in files and/or in directory servers). The setup configuration information is stored (e.g., using a configuration file naming scheme) so that the configuration information for a particular machine can be found. A setup daemon on the machine searches for suitable configuration information in a number of places, such as: in a location in a local file system, in locations in mounted file volumes, and directory servers. The configuration information may be encrypted, and the setup daemon searches for the decryption key in a similar fashion.