Abstract: A form of removable memory, such as a universal serial bus (USB) flash device, may enable a subscription-based computing system from any PC. The device may include an execution unit including a processor, a private memory including an encrypted application, a computing system interface, a cryptographic unit including a secure storage with a number of metering units, and a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include instructions for routing messages and data from the execution unit through the computing system interface to a connected computing system. Further, encrypted application data may be routed through the cryptographic unit to the execution unit to thereby transform the encrypted application into executable data for use by the computing system. Also, the device may decrement a number of metering units stored at the device during execution of the encrypted application by the computer.

Abstract: A form of removable memory, such as a universal serial bus (USB) flash device, may enable a subscription-based computing system from any PC. The device may include an execution unit including a processor, a private memory including an encrypted application, a computing system interface, a cryptographic unit including a secure storage with a number of metering units, and a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include instructions for routing messages and data from the execution unit through the computing system interface to a connected computing system. Further, encrypted application data may be routed through the cryptographic unit to the execution unit to thereby transform the encrypted application into executable data for use by the computing system. Also, the device may decrement a number of metering units stored at the device during execution of the encrypted application by the computer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to improve the read/write performance of a hard drive is presented. A device having solid state, non-volatile (NV) memory is added in-line to the conventional hard drive and acts as a read/write cache. Data specified by the operating system is stored in the NV memory. The operating system provides a list of data to be put in NV memory. The data includes data to be pinned in NV memory and data that is dynamic. Pinned data persists in NV memory until the operating system commands it to be flushed. Dynamic data can be flushed by the hard drive controller. Data sent by an application for storage is temporarily stored in NV memory in data blocks until the operating system commits it to the disk.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for a personal computer to preserve user and system state data in the event of an AC power failure when the computer is in a standby state. When the AC power failure occurs, a switchover circuit connects a rechargeable energy storage medium, such as a rechargeable battery, to the power supply of the computer for powering components of computer, and the computer is awaken. A critical battery alarm is then issued to trigger the operating system of the computer to perform a transition into a hibernation state, during which the state data of the computer are persistently stored. The energy storage medium is disconnected from the power supply after the computer system has entered hibernation.