Patent ID: 6029196
Filing Date: 2000-02-22
Classification: G06F,H04L

Abstract:
A process for automatically configuring computer network clients through a server, comprising the steps of:creating a data file on a client which contains the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) of said server;creating configuration files on said server,sending a configuration request from said client to said server, and wherein said request is resent if a configuration file is not received from said server within a predetermined time limit;identifying the configuration file on said server associated with said client;sending said configuration file from said server to said client;configuring various aspects of said client using said configuration file;allowing users to store their own configuration and preference information on said server from their client, thereby allowing said users to move to different machines and always be able to log in as themselves if they point to that same server;wherein each configuration file is intended for a specific client or group of clients;wherein said configuration file allows configuration data to be set dynamically; andwherein said client addresses said server through said URL.