Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput – Network computer configuring – Reconfiguring
Reexamination Certificate
2000-09-11
2001-09-04
Maung, Zarni (Department: 2154)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput
Network computer configuring
Reconfiguring
C709S217000, C709S218000, C709S219000, C709S220000, C709S201000, C709S202000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06286041
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention pertains to the field of digital computing equipment, and particularly to the application of computing equipment to distributed networks of computer networks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Digital computing equipment (computers) are often electrically connected to other digital computer equipment through internetworks of wiring and software. Each computer in an internetwork requires programs and data (software) to operate. Traditionally, software is entered into a computer through removable magnetic media, such as magnetic tape or removable disks. Because each computer in a large internetwork requires its own copy of software, and since a relatively few administrators must install and update software on every computer in a network, distributing software throughout a network by traditional techniques is time-consuming, error-prone, or impractical.
Distributing software by transmitting it through the network between computers is known in the art as Electronic Software Distribution (ESD). ESD can reduce the number of administrators required to install and update software in a network, and improve the speed and accuracy of software distribution. Existing software distribution techniques, however, are often unreliable, inefficient, and incomplete. The present invention is an improvement over existing techniques, employing advanced processes and methods of ESD.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a system and method for transferring digital computer software and data from one digital computer to one or more digital computers through a network of electrical connections between the two or more digital computers. An installation agent is established at each target machine and software to be transferred is placed within a software package, wherein the software package includes the software and installation commands for installing the software. The software package is transferred to each target machine and installed by alerting the installation agent that a software package has arrived and executing commands within the installation agent to send an install message to the software package, wherein the install message causes the software package to execute the installation commands.
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Anderson Scott Roy
Collins, III Theodore Joseph
Kratsch Charles Henry
Larson Joseph Paul
McDowall Steven J.
Computer Associates Think Inc.
Cooper & Dunham LLP
El-Hady Nabil
Maung Zarni
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