Abstract: A system an method for distribution of electronic data over a network infrastructure that includes a client device for operation by a user desiring to receive the electronic data and server that contains the electronic data and offering the electronic data for downloading to the client device via the network infrastructure. The client device communicates a compound data key that includes a unique serial number associated with a particular piece of media to which the electronic data is to be stored to the server, vendor information and user information. The server encrypts the electronic data using the compound key, and downloads the encrypted electronic data to the client computer, where the client computer writes the encrypted electronic data to the particular piece of media such that the encrypted electronic data may only be accessed from the particular piece of media.

Abstract: A system and method for executing a participating application from media coupled to a computing device. The participating application may be executed automatically or manually. When the application is executed, a task disk control file is read from the removable media. The task disk control file contains all of the configuration information necessary to run the participating application from the coupled media. The participating application is then launched for use by a user. After the user is finished using the participating application, all data files are saved, temporary files deleted and configuration information removed prior to the termination of the application to return the computing device to an original state.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically executing a participating application upon insertion of a removable media into a computing device. When the computing device detects that the removable media containing has been inserted, a task disk control file is read from the removable media. The task disk control file contains all of the configuration information necessary to run the participating application from the removable media The participating application is then launched for use by a user. After the user is finished using the participating application, the removable disk is automatically ejected. In addition to monitoring for insertion of the removable media, events such as a completion of the self-contained application and a request to eject the media are monitored. When a completion event is encountered, all data files are saved, temporary files deleted and configuration information removed prior to the removable disk ejection.

Abstract: A system an method for distribution of electronic data over a network infrastructure that includes a client device for operation by a user desiring to receive the electronic data and server that contains the electronic data and offering the electronic data for downloading to the client device via the network infrastructure. The client device communicates a compound data key that includes a unique serial number associated with a particular piece of media to which the electronic data is to be stored to the server, vendor information and user information. The server encrypts the electronic data using the compound key, and downloads the encrypted electronic data to the client computer, where the client computer writes the encrypted electronic data to the particular piece of media such that the encrypted electronic data may only be accessed from the particular piece of media.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically executing a participating application upon insertion of a removable media into a computing device. When the computing device detects that the removable media containing has been inserted, a task disk control file is read from the removable media. The task disk control file contains all of the configuration information necessary to run the participating application from the removable media. The participating application is then launched for use by a user. After the user is finished using the participating application, the removable disk is automatically ejected. In addition to monitoring for insertion of the removable media, events such as a completion of the self-contained application and a request to eject the media are monitored. When a completion event is encountered, all data files are saved, temporary files deleted and configuration information removed prior to the removable disk ejection.

Abstract: A disk can store data from two different operating systems, particularly DOS and MAC OS formats. The initial sector on the disk, sector zero, is divided between the operating systems, allowing two sector signatures. As a result, DOS recognizes the disk as valid and the MAC OS can support a driver on the disk. According to another aspect of the invention, the DOS portion of the dual-format disk is reclaimed by having a software program start its execution on the dual-format disk then switch its execution to another storage device. As a result, the program can dismount the dual-format disk and safely reclaim it for use on the MAC OS.

Abstract: A large capacity removable media drive is integrated into a computer as a floppy disk drive. The method and apparatus are suited to an environment in which the removable media disk drive is configured as the first fixed disk drive in the computer. Thus, the removable media drive is recognized by the BIOS as a fixed disk drive. A substitute master boot record is provided to the computer from the removable media drive in response to a request for the master boot record of the media. Control of the boot sequence is thereby gained. The substitute master boot record loads a boot program that alters the operating system to recognize the removable media drive as a floppy disk drive.