Electrical computers and digital processing systems: support – Multiple computer communication using cryptography – Protection at a particular protocol layer
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-15
2001-10-09
Hua, Ly V. (Department: 2131)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: support
Multiple computer communication using cryptography
Protection at a particular protocol layer
C713S152000, C707S793000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06301666
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the field of information technology (IT) support and, more specifically, to a method of providing a pre-configured computer system to an end user and remotely altering the configuration of the computer system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
When ordering a computer system from a supplier or manufacturer, a user (e.g., an individual or business concern) is usually presented with a number of configuration options. The configuration options include the choice of a number of software packages that may be installed on the computer system. These software packages typically have certain base content (e.g., an operating system and certain basic applications), and certain optional content (e.g., programs that define the package). Certain software packages may be bundled with certain hardware configurations, on the assumption that a computer system having hardware typically required in a business environment will require business software, whereas a computer system having a hardware configuration more suitable for home use or will typically require other applications.
Following the purchase of a computer system, should a user wish to install further applications, these are usually not purchased from the supplier of the computer system, but from a software vendor. Software applications purchased subsequent to the initial purchase of the computer system must then be installed in the computer system, which may be a time consuming process or even beyond the technical abilities of a user of the computer system for computer users. Within large organizations, technical support is usually available to perform the installation, or at least to assist therein. However, for the home user, or in small and medium size organizations, such technical support may not be available, and the user may be required to install the application without support. Should problems be encountered with the installation, the user may have to consult an outside technical support operation for assistance that may be costly and time consuming.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of supplying a computer system to a user. First and second applications are installed on a computer system, access to the first application by the user is restricted so as to inhibit execution of the first application by the user. Access to the second application by the user is not restricted, so as not to inhibit execution of the second application by the user. The computer system, with the first and second applications installed thereon, is then supplied to the user. Responsive to a request from the user, the restrictions on the access to the first application by the user may be removed so as not to inhibit execution of the first application by the user.
In an exemplary embodiment, the access by the user to the first application may be restricted utilizing a setting within a system registry (or registry database) of an operating system installed on the computer system.
In a further exemplary embodiment, access to the first application by the user may be restricted utilizing a setting within a system policy data structure of an operating system installed on the computer system.
In an even further exemplary embodiment, the removal of the restrictions on the access to the first application may be performed remotely by a support provider utilizing network communications.
Other features of the present invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description that follows.
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Hua Ly V.
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