Abstract:
A method for a user&#39;s mobile client computer to update its configuration specification involves receiving an e-mail from an administrator containing location settings encoded in an attachment, openings the attachment to the e-mail, and writing location values corresponding to the location settings encoded in the attachment into the configuration specification of the computer. In the preferred embodiment, the e-mail includes a designation of a location name corresponding to the configuration specification. In the e-mail attachment, the location settings are generically defined so as to apply to a variety of operating systems. The user&#39;s mobile client application determines an operating system type for the computer, and generates the location values by interpreting the location settings for the operating system type for the computer. The interpretation of the generic location settings to produce the location values involves referring to program logic which translates the location settings into location values as a function of the operating system type for the computer. The location settings which may be specified according to the present invention includes internet settings, such as internet protocol address, a domain name server configuration, a gateway, and a WINS configuration, and further include dialing settings or local area network settings. According to another aspect, an administrator application provides a user&#39;s client computer with configuration settings. The administrator application specifies a location name for the user&#39;s client computer. The administrator application further creates an e-mail addressed to the user having the location settings encoded in an attachment, and the administrator application sends the e-mail to the user.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention pertains to the field of personal computers which are mobile. Specifically, the present invention pertains to the configuration of mobile personal computers within various local area networks. 
     2. Discussion of the Related Art 
     An increasing number of companies are boosting the productivity of field personnel by equipping them with laptop computers. These mobile professionals need easy access to the corporate network from a variety of sites: branch offices, manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, customer sites, hotel rooms, and even home. 
     Providing network access to a growing mobile workforce poses a significant challenge for the information technology (IT) staff. Remote access involves entering complicated connection settings manually each time the user attempts to access the network from a different site. Research indicates that business travelers typically spend about 20 minutes adjusting PC settings every time they arrive at a new location. This nonproductive time increases significantly if the user enters incorrect information and must spend time finding and fixing the problem. In many cases, the user calls the help desk for assistance. The costs associated with the loss in productivity for the mobile professional and the increased support costs can approach $1 million for a company with 1,000 mobile users. 
     The IT staff is tasked with simplifying remote access to eliminate downtime and reduce cost of supporting mobile user. IT needs ways to automate, as much as possible, the changing of computer settings when connecting to the network from different locations. The solution must be easy to deploy and manage by the IT staff. 
     Mobile users face difficulties when connecting to a network from multiple locations. Additional burden is placed on the IT staff in supporting mobile users. 
     The cost of providing mobile access is high. IT professionals need to position their companies to take on a rapidly growing number of mobile users. Almost one in five computers sold today is a laptop. Approximately 13.9 million laptops were sold to mobile professionals in 1999, and the number will rise to 23.9 million by 2002. These mobile professionals need to access their computer networks from multiple locations. Many of them also need to access other networks. Consultants, for example, need to access multiple client networks as well as their own. 
     The growing number of mobile users drives up support costs and places increasing demands on an already overburdened IT staff. The complications introduced by frequently adjusting to different work environments make it more difficult and more expensive to support mobile users due to the increase in dedicated help desk estaff that they require. That&#39;s because users have to change a number of settings, such as dialing and IP settings, every time they attempt to access a network from a different site. In addition, the growing popularity of telecommuting and the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) is fueling the demand for new communications technologies, such as cable modems and ADSL solutions. These technologies further complicate mobile connections and aggravate the support problem. 
     Dialing-in creates problems. Dialing issues are the most common source of end-user downtime and involve a large number of cumbersome and error-prone settings. Users must set the correct dial-in telephone number, which is particularly difficult because telephone numbers change continually due to new area codes and new dial-in access lines. Keeping users updated with the most recent phone numbers adds to the cost of supporting them. 
     Users must also specify any required dialing prefixes, such as 9 for an outside line and whether a 1 is required before the area code for long-distance calls. These prefixes may also involve the setting of delays, for example, between the 9 for an outside line and the 1 for long distance. Entering the correct calling card sequence is also cumbersome, requiring the user to enter the calling card number, a personal identification number, and any required delays between these numbers. Dialing is especially difficult for international travelers because dialing sequences vary considerably from country to country. 
     Changing locations is complicated. Remote access is burdensome and time consuming for mobile professionals, particularly for those who are not familiar with networking terminology. 
     As is apparent from the above discussion, a need exists for a solution which allows the IT department to provide mobile users with a fast, easy way to switch their PCs to adjust for location changes. In this way the staff can help increase user productivity and, at the same time, minimize support costs by reducing the number of long-distance and toll calls to the help desk. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A goal of the present invention is to simplify location switching for mobile users. Another goal of the present invention is to allow easy deployment, management, and update by the IT staff. The present solution should automate, as much as possible, the entry of location-dependent settings for network access. 
     According to the present invention, a method for a user&#39;s mobile client computer to update its configuration specification involves receiving an e-mail from an administrator containing location settings encoded in an attachment. The mobile client application opens the attachment to the e-mail, and writes location values corresponding to the location settings encoded in the attachment into the configuration specification of the computer. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the e-mail includes a designation of a location name corresponding to the configuration specification, and the configuration specification written corresponds to the location name. Thus, a variety of location specifications may exist in the mobile client computer, such as home location specification, office location specification, and customer location specification. In the e-mail attachment, the location settings are generically defined so as to apply to a variety of operating systems. 
     The user&#39;s mobile client application determines an operating system type for the computer. The user&#39;s mobile client application generates the location values by interpreting the location settings for the operating system type for the computer. The interpretation of the generic location settings to produce the location values involves referring to program logic which translates the location settings into location values as a function of the operating system type for the computer. 
     The location settings which may be specified according to the present invention includes internet settings, such as internet protocol address, a domain name server configuration, a gateway, and a WINS configuration. The locations settings further include dialing settings or local area network settings. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, an administrator application on an administrator&#39;s computer provides a user&#39;s client computer with configuration settings. The administrator application specifies a location name for the user&#39;s client computer, for example the administrator may edit or create the home, office, or customer location settings for a specific user. The administrator application further creates an e-mail addressed to the user having the location settings encoded in an attachment, and the administrator application sends the e-mail to the user. The administrator application generically defines the location settings so as to apply to a variety of operating systems. The location settings according to the present invention include internet settings, such as the internet protocol address, a domain name server configuration, a gateway, and a WINS configuration. The location settings according to the present invention further include dialing settings or local area network settings. 
     The number of mobile computer users is growing rapidly, which has generated a major problem for many companies. The present invention provides the IT staff with a solution that makes changing locations effortless for mobile computer users. In this way, the staff can eliminate nonproductive connection setup time for mobile professionals and reduce calls to the help desk. The solution according to the present invention must be easy to manage and administer so it does not add to the problem of rising network management costs. Furthermore, the present invention prevents users from wasting large amounts of time adjusting their mobile computer connection settings every time they change locations, lowering their productivity. The present invention provides an ideal solution. It helps companies contain support costs by reducing the number of help desk calls, and it helps them increase the productivity of their mobile professionals by simplifying location changes. The resulting cost savings can be significant. In addition, the product keeps network administrators productive through centralized management. Using the present invention, a company can continue to increase the mobility of its workforce to meet the business requirements of the 21st century-without driving up costs. 
     These and other features and advantages of the present invention are more fully described in the Detailed Description of the Invention, which discusses the Figures in narrative form. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a general purpose computer architecture suitable for implementing the methods according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an administrator computer and a client computer connected in networks suitable for implementing the methods according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a block of memory within the client computer which defines the various configurable settings of a location to be stored in the client program suitable for implementing the methods according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a method performed at the administrator computer for defining configurable settings of a user&#39;s location according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a method performed at the administrator computer for defining configurable internet settings for a user&#39;s location according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a form in the administrator&#39;s application at the administrator&#39;s computer for setting up dialing preferences for a user&#39;s location in the user&#39;s application at the client computer according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a form in the administrator&#39;s application at the administrator&#39;s computer for setting up network settings for a user&#39;s location in the user&#39;s application at the client computer according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a form in the administrator&#39;s application at the administrator&#39;s computer for setting up TCP/IP internet IP address settings for a user&#39;s location in the user&#39;s application at the client computer according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a form in the administrator&#39;s application at the administrator&#39;s computer for setting up DNS configuration settings for a user&#39;s location in the user&#39;s application at the client computer according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a form in the administrator&#39;s application at the administrator&#39;s computer for setting up gateway configuration settings for a user&#39;s location in the user&#39;s application at the client computer according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a form in the administrator&#39;s application at the administrator&#39;s computer for setting up WINS configuration settings for a user&#39;s location in the user&#39;s application at the client computer according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates an e-mail generated at the administrator&#39;s computer and received by the user&#39;s client computer according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a method performed at the user&#39;s client computer for updating a user&#39;s location settings according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a method performed at the user&#39;s client computer for booting up the user&#39;s client computer according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     The Figures are more fully described in the Detailed Description of the Invention. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A need exists for mobile users to be able to switch network access settings effortlessly when they arrive at a new location. This requires a solution according to the present invention that prompts them with a few easy-to-understand questions to identify the location, then automatically sets up the computer for connection from that location. The solution according to the present invention also provides an easy way for users to set dial-in parameters quickly and troubleshoot them easily when they do have problems-without calling the help desk. 
     Each time the user accesses the network from a different location, he or she must adjust a variety of settings manually, including:
         Connection method. Specifies whether the connection is a direct network connection, a modem connection, or in some cases, an infrared connection.   Dial-in settings. Specify the access telephone number, dialing prefix, and calling card sequence.   IP settings. Adjust the parameters required for IP operation such as for accessing the Internet or corporate intranets.   Proxy settings. Specify the correct Web browser settings for access to the corporate intranet through a firewall.   Network settings. Adjust parameters that are specific to the network to which the user is connecting, such NetWare® or Windows NT. These parameters include specifying such network resources as printers, shared folders, and mapped network drives to be used from this particular location.   Application settings. Set the parameters required by popular applications such as Lotus Notes, cc:Mail, and WinFax.       

     Working with any one of these settings is complex. Having to deal with them all is overwhelming and time-consuming, especially for typical business users who aren&#39;t familiar with network connection terminology. What&#39;s more, it drives up support costs significantly because these users must often call the help desk for support. These types of calls are time-consuming to troubleshoot, so the help desk staff may spend a lot more time assisting mobile users. 
     Consultants who work from multiple client locations face a particularly difficult setup situation. They have to access not only their own network but also their clients&#39; networks, and connection settings vary much more widely across multiple companies than they than do across different facilities within a single company. 
     The IP addressing problem is difficult. IP addressing is a particularly vexing problem in setting up a remote connection because it involves entering a large number of arcane parameters. For example, in many cases the user needs to enter one or more static IP addresses, each of which is a string of up to 12 numbers with periods embedded in specific locations. 
     Complicating the problem is that some companies support Dynamic Host Control Protocol (DHCP), but only at certain locations. As a result, many users have to switch between DHCP and static IP addressing. This is a particular problem for consultants who work at multiple client sites and must switch between static and dynamic IP addressing depending on the client they are working with. The increasing adoption of ADSL and cable modem technology as part of corporate telecommuting initiatives is further increasing the need to switch between static and dynamic addressing as both solutions currently require a static IP. 
     The impact on user productivity and support costs is great. Research indicates that business travelers typically spend about 20 minutes adjusting PC settings every time they arrive at a new location. This does not include time spent resolving problems caused by incorrect settings. The impact on productivity represents a significant cost to the organization. Many mobile professionals are executives whose time is very valuable. To make matters worse, mobile users typically call the help desk for assistance when they run into connection problems, driving up support costs. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a general purpose computer architecture suitable for implementing the methods according to the present invention.  FIG. 1  illustrates a general purpose computer system  100  suitable for implementing the methods for both the administrator and the user according to the present invention. The general purpose computer system  100  includes at least a microprocessor  104 . The general purpose computer may also include random access memory  102 , ROM memory  103 , a keyboard  107 , and a modem  108 . All of the elements of the general purpose computer  100  are optionally tied together by a common bus  101  for transporting data between the various elements. The bus  101  typically includes data, address, and control signals. Although the general purpose computer  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1  includes a single data bus  101  which ties together all of the elements of the general purpose computer  100 , there is no requirement that there be a single communication bus  101  which connects the various elements of the general purpose computer  100 . For example, the microprocessor  104 , RAM  102 , and ROM  103 , are alternatively tied together with a data bus while the hard disk  105 , modem  108 , keyboard  107 , display monitor  106 , and network interface  109  are connected together with a second data bus (not shown). In this case, the first data bus  101  and the second data bus (not shown) are linked by a bidirectional bus interface (not shown). Alternatively, some of the elements, such as the microprocessor  102  and RAM  102  are connected to both the first data bus  101  and the second data bus (not shown), and communication between the first and second data bus occurs through the microprocessor  102  and RAM  102 . The network interface  109  provides communication capability to a local area network LAN using an ethernet connection, for example. The modem  108  allows the computer  100  to communicate through the telephone system. The methods of the present invention are executable on any general purpose computer system such as the  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 , but there is clearly no limitation that this computer system is the only one which can execute the methods of the present invention. 
     The present invention prepares a user&#39;s laptop for travel, instantly adjusts location settings, and resolves connection problems to keep you productive on the road. 
     The Location Administrator according to the present invention contains the central management and deployment of location profiles. As an IS/IT manager it is possible according to the present invention to create and deploy virtually every setting that can be changed in a personal computer. 
     Using the Location Administrator according to the present invention, the administrator computer can deploy of all of the following settings:
         General Location information (Country, City, Time Zone, URL for location information)   Dialing (Including Calling Card Manager and the ability to disable “detect dialing tone”)   Network Settings (Microsoft Workgroups, NT domains, and Novell Bindery and NDS settings)   TCP/IP (Static/Dynamic, DNS, Gateway &amp; WINS)   Dial-up networking (Using DUN Manager) and integration with IBM global Dialer   Default Printer   Other Programs (Netscape and Internet Explorer proxy settings, WinFax Pro dialing location, Lotus Notes locations, Lotus CCmail location, and Default MAPI profile for MS Exchange, Outlook)       

     Deployment is provided according to the present invention via integrated e-mail (Administrator and Client), and the ability to save to file for placement on Intranet or file server. 
     TCP/IP Switching according to the present invention provides static IPs to mobile users, and allows them to easily switch network environments. Telecommuters and users of Cable/ADSL will benefit greatly from the present invention by not having to enter difficult IP settings when moving from each location. 
     Microsoft &amp; Novell Network Settings may be changed by the administrator according to the present invention. Being able to change Microsoft Workgroups, Domains, and Novell Bindery/NDS access will greatly improve the mobile work force to have the quickest and easiest access to the resources they need when going to each location. 
     Multiple network configurations, and distance between office locations require users to obtain different network access rights so that local drives can be mapped, and rights assigned. Now according to the present invention, users will not need to remember which Workgroup/Domain they should be logging into. And they no longer have to remember long NDS contexts, or names of Bindery servers. All of these settings can be saved in a location specification (profile). IS/IT administrators can deploy location update e-mails with these and other settings to mobile users using the Location Administrator. 
     Calling Card Integration is provided according to the present invention. Now users can save money by easily allowing mobile users to use their company calling cards with their laptop computers. By deploying the proper access number and sequence for the calling card all users need to do is enter their card or pin number and savings begin. 
     Settings for Default Printer, Dial-up networking, and Other programs can be adjusted according to the present invention. Settings such as, which DUN connection to use, and changing the default printer are compelling features that reduce end-user frustration, when away from the office. Providing the ability to switch common programs such as e-mall and fax will make mobile users more productive. 
     Preconfigured settings are included according to the present invention. The IT department needs a fast, easy way to create, deploy, and update preconfigured settings that cover all parameters for every location the user is likely to encounter-home, branch offices, manufacturing facilities, customer sites, and hotels. 
     Reconfigured settings include: 
     IP Parameters: 
     
         
         
           
             Static or DHCP 
             WINS settings, such as whether or not WINS is enabled 
             Domain Name Services (DNS) settings 
             Gateway settings 
             Subnet settings
 
Proxy Parameters for Netscape and Internet Explorer Network Parameters:
 
             New Ware settings such as Novell® Preferred Service and Novell Directory Services (NDS) client information, including user name, password, tree name, and context. 
             Windows® login settings, including workgroup, computer name (primarily for cable modem usage where the computer name changes for at-home users for security reasons), and Windows NT Domains. 
             Network resources settings such as default printers, mapped network drives, and shared folders.
 
Dialing Parameters, such as Calling Card Sequences, Area code, and Dialing Prefixes Application Parameters:
 
             Connection method for Lotus Notes or cc:Mail 
             Dialing settings for WinFax 
             Connection method for Netscape® and Microsoft® Internet Explorer (LAN versus dial-up). 
           
         
       
    
     Managing IP addresses in a difficult task for the IT staff as well as for user. It is particularly cumbersome in environments where DHCP is not available or where users need to switch between static and dynamic IP addresses. To simplify management, the solution according to the present invention provides an easy means of distributing and updating static IP addresses to mobile users. The present invention provides automatic DNS settings and determines automatically weather or not DNS is enabled. In addition, it automates proxy settings for Netscape® and Microsoft® Internet Explorer browsers if users need access through a firewall. 
     The solution according to the present invention gives the IT staff flexibility in controlling what preconfigured settings users can and cannot change. Control ranges from total lockdown to permitting users to change selected settings. All user-modifiable settings are simple and straightforward to change, so users don&#39;t create problems for themselves when they make changes. 
     Centralized administration is available according to the present invention so that the IT staff is able to deploy mobile client software, new and updated preconfigured settings, new telephone access numbers, and new IP addresses quickly and easily from a central location. Installation and configuration of client software does not require user intervention (silent install). Furthermore, the method for deploying preconfigured settings is flexible, enabling the staff to make them available on a Web site or network server for download by the user, or to send updates through the company&#39;s email system. Furthermore, administrators are able to change security settings from a central location. A graphical interface for the administrator is also highly desirable to ensure easy creation and modification of preconfigured settings. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an administrator computer and a client computer connected in networks suitable for implementing the methods according to the present invention. The administrator computer  201  is coupled to a local area network  202  through link  206 , shown as being physically based in Toronto. The user&#39;s mobile client computer  203  is shown as being physically connected to a separate local area network  204 , shown as being physically based in Cupertino. A third local area network  205  is shown as existing in New York. Thus, the mobile user&#39;s client computer  203  is physically in Cupertino. However, it is possible for the mobile user to take his laptop  203  to New York, and to connect to the New York local area network  205  through link  207 . It is also possible for the mobile user to take his laptop  203  to Toronto, and to connect to the Toronto local area network  202  through link  208 . All three local area networks  202 ,  204 , and  205  are connected to the Internet  209 . 
     Support for Windows NT is provided. Although many companies still use Windows 95 and 98, most plan to transition to Windows NT to take advantage of its greater security and tighter control over desktop and laptop computers. Many larger companies require NT support in all software they buy. Companies with mixed Windows 95, 98, and NT environments need to standardize on a single solution for mobile users, so they don&#39;t incur the management burden and expense of implementing and supporting different solutions for different operating environments. 
     The present invention provides a comprehensive solution. The present invention is a location management solution designed for enterprises with a large and growing mobile workforce. It enables the IT staff to create, deploy, secure, and update preconfigured settings through the use of location profiles-quickly and easily from a central location. The preconfigured settings make it effortless for mobile users to switch locations. Each location profile includes all the settings required to connect to a network from a particular location, including connection method, dialing settings, IP settings, proxy settings, network settings, and application settings. The present invention supports Windows(r) 95, Windows 98, and Windows NT 4.0 all in a single program. As a result the present invention accommodates mixed environments and diverse user needs without complicating installation and management. 
     Higher end-user productivity through effortless location switching is provided according to the present invention. The present invention increases mobile users&#39; productivity by significantly reducing the time they spend setting up their computers when they move to a different location. They can switch locations with a click of a button at Windows startup instead of manually configuring settings. This eliminates the time required to adjust multiple settings manually. In addition, it ensures the accuracy of settings, so people don&#39;t lose time due to errors. As a result the present invention productivity at any work location and it reduces calls to the help desk. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a block of memory  300  within the client computer  203  which defines the various configurable settings of a location to be stored in the client program suitable for implementing the methods according to the present invention. Thus ,  FIG. 3  represents a configuration specification  300  for the client computer  203 . For example, a block of memory  300  within the client application on the mobile user&#39;s client computer  203  contains fields as shown in  FIG. 3. A  group of tags  301 - 320  provides an index into the various configurable settings of the client computer  203 . Preferably, the tags  301 - 320  are property based, but are logically equivalent to tags indicating the various configurable settings. Fields  351 - 370  are reserved for storing location values corresponding to the various configurable settings of the client computer  203 . 
     A dialog box appears at the Windows startup and prompts the user to enter the location according to the present invention. Because the profile is selected during start-up, the user does not have to reboot the computer before the settings become effective. This saves even more time. Selecting the location profile is quick and easy according to the present invention. Users of the present invention no longer have to struggle with the complexities of dialing. This is especially helpful for people who travel internationally. The present invention also simplifies the use of calling cards by providing an updated drop-down list of AT&amp;T calling card access numbers along with the appropriate delay parameters. In addition, the present invention makes it easy to distribute the correct dialing sequence for a calling card. The IT department can determine the sequence and distribute it, so every user can easily use convenient calling cards. Laptop users who use a docking station at the office and also work from home can switch effortlessly between docked and undocked operations. The present invention remembers the location profile selected the last time the laptop was docked and the profile selected the last time the laptop was undocked. It automatically detects whether the computer is docked or undocked and selects the proper profile when the user starts up the computer. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a method performed at the administrator computer  201  for defining configurable settings of a specific location according to the present invention. At step  401 , the administrator specifies the dialing rules applicable for the location. At step  402 , the administrator specifies the local area network settings applicable to the location. At step  403 , the administrator specifies the internet TCP/IP settings applicable to the location. At step  404 , the administrator sends an update e-mail to the user. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a method  403  performed at the administrator computer for defining configurable internet settings for a user&#39;s location according to the present invention. At step  501 , the administrator assigns an IP address. At step  502 , the administrator specifies the DNS configuration for the location for the client computer  203 . At step  503 , the administrator specifies a gateway configuration. At step  504 , the administrator specifies the WINS configuration. 
     Consultants can travel among client sites without manually adjusting connection settings each time they move. This enables them to begin working as soon as they arrive at a client site by simply selecting the proper location profile at Windows startup. As a result, billable time begins immediately-contributing directly to the bottom line for the consulting firm. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a form  600  in the administrator&#39;s application at the administrator&#39;s computer  201  for setting up dialing preferences for a user&#39;s location in the user&#39;s application at the client computer  203  according to the present invention. The form  600  is selected by clicking on a dialing button  601 . The form  600  includes a field  602  for specifying the area code for the location. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a form  700  in the administrator&#39;s application at the administrator&#39;s computer  201  for setting up network settings for a user&#39;s location in the user&#39;s application at the client computer  203  according to the present invention. The form  700  is selected by clicking on a network button  701 . The form  700  includes a field  702  for specifying a Microsoft IPX/SPX compatible protocol. The form  700  further includes a field  703  for specifying a Novell IPX 32-bit protocol for NetWare client. The form  700  further includes a field  704  for specifying a Microsoft IPX/SPX compatible protocol on Windows NT. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a form  800  in the administrator&#39;s application at the administrator&#39;s computer  201  for setting up TCP/IP internet IP address settings for a user&#39;s location in the user&#39;s application at the client computer  203  according to the present invention. The form  800  is selected by clicking on a TCP/IP button  801  and the IP addresses button  802 . The form  800  includes a field  803  for specifying the user&#39;s name. The form  800  further includes a field  804  for specifying the IP address for the user. The form  800  also includes a field  805  for specifying the SubnetMask for the user. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a form  900  in the administrator&#39;s application at the administrator&#39;s computer  201  for setting up DNS configuration settings for a user&#39;s location in the user&#39;s application at the client computer  203  according to the present invention. The form  900  is selected by clicking on the TCP/IP button  901  and the DNS configuration button  902 . The form  900  includes a button  903  for specifying the disabling of DNS, and a button  904  for enabling DNS. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a form  1000  in the administrator&#39;s application at the administrator&#39;s computer  201  for setting up gateway configuration settings for a user&#39;s location in the user&#39;s application at the client computer  203  according to the present invention. The form  1000  is selected by clicking on the TCP/IP button  1001  and a gateway button  1002 . The form  1000  includes field  1003  for specifying a new gateway. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a form  1100  in the administrator&#39;s application at the administrator&#39;s computer  201  for setting up WINS configuration settings for a user&#39;s location in the user&#39;s application at the client computer  203  according to the present invention. The form  1100  is selected by clicking on the TCP/IP button  1101  and a WINS configuration button  1102 . The form  1100  includes button  1103  for specifying the use of DHCP for WINS resolution. The form  1100  includes button  1104  for specifying the disabling of WINS. The form  1100  includes a button  1105  for specifying the enabling of WINS. 
     The present invention provides reduction in help desk calls and support costs. The present invention simplifies operation for the mobile user, so it reduces the number of toll calls to the help desk-and that reduces support costs. It eliminates the need for laptop users to understand and enter complicated settings every time they move to a different location. It addresses mundane problems such as changing dialing and printer setup, as well as more complex problems such as changing IP and network settings. It also allows the IT staff to lock down location profile settings to prevent users from modifying them and causing problems for themselves which would probably result in calls to the help desk. Fewer and shorter support calls reduce long-distance charges and free up the staff to handle other problems. 
     Easier IP address handling is provided according to the present invention. The present invention is particularly effective for mobile users who have to deal with IP addresses. Because IP is rapidly emerging as the corporate standard network protocol, this includes nearly all mobile users. People who work in sites that do not use DHCP or use it only in certain locations no longer have to deal manually with static IP addresses or with switching between DHCP and non-DHCP addressing. 
     If the IT department cannot determine in advance the correct IP addresses for certain locations, they can set up the present invention to prompt users to enter the address the first time they log in from these locations. The product then saves the IP address in the location profile for that location, so the next time the user connects from that location, the IP address is entered automatically. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates an e-mail  1200  generated at the administrator&#39;s computer  201  and received by the user&#39;s client computer  203  according to the present invention. The e-mail  1200  includes a line  1201  indicating the recipient of the e-mail  1200 . The e-mail  1200  further includes a subject line  1202  that indicates that the e-mail  1200  is a specifically a Symantec Mobile Essentials Location Update e-mail. The user&#39;s client application at the client computer  203  reads this subject line  1202  to determine that the e-mail is directed to the user&#39;s client application. The human readable body portion of the e-mail includes text which indicates to the user that the e-mail includes an attachment which specifies updates to one of the user&#39;s location specifications. 
     The attachment  1250  is readable by the user&#39;s client application. The attachment  1250  in the example shown in  FIG. 12  includes a tag  1251  indicating that the contents of the field  1256  designates the name of the location specification for the user that the attachment pertains. In the example shown in  FIG. 12 , the location specification designated is named “HOME”. The tag  1252  indicates that the contents of the field  1257  designate the IP address, which in this example is 104.93.108.5. The tag  1253  indicates that the contents of the field  1258  designates the DNS configuration, which in the example is disabled. The tag  1254  indicates that the contents of the field  1259  designates the gateway, which in this example is not specified. The tag  1255  indicates that the contents of the field  1260  designates the WINS configuration, which in the example is set to DHCP. 
     Centralized deployment and management is provided by the present invention. The IT staff can manage the present invention from a central location, which helps keep network management costs in check. The staff can configure and install client software, including location profiles, from c central location using a software deployment mechanism such as Microsoft® SMS. Install in silent and requires no user intervention. 
     The IT staff can deploy updated location profiles from a central location as well, using a variety of mechanisms. The staff can post them on a Web site or file server. Users can then download the profile file and simply click on it for automatic installation. The staff can also distribute profiles through the corporate email system. In this case, the Symantec Mobile Essentials client automatically extracts the updates from the email message and installs them without any user intervention. Because email is a “push” method of distribution, it helps the IT staff ensure that users always have up-to-date profiles. It also enables the staff to select which users receive which updates. For example, the staff may send one set of profiles to the marketing department and another set to field sales representatives. 
     Easy creation of location profiles is provided according to the present invention. IT professionals can quickly create thousands of location profiles using the Administration console. Each location profile is set up once, then deployed to mobile users. The staff has the flexibility of allowing users to create their own location profiles, which the users can save for re-use. The settings can be locked, preventing end user intervention. The Administration console screen for setting up IP address information is shown as FIG.  8 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a method  1300  performed at the user&#39;s client computer  203  for updating a user&#39;s location settings according to the present invention. The user&#39;s client computer  203  receives the e-mail from the administrator at step  1301 . The client application pulls the e-mail from the user&#39;s in-box at step  1302 . The client application opens the attachment to the e-mail at step  1303 . The client application retrieves the operating system information from the client computer  203  at step  1304 . Test  1305  determines whether or not the attachment to the e-mail defines a new location or not. If the location name does not correspond to any of the already existing location specification in the user&#39;s client application, then the attachment defines a new location specification. If a new location is specified, then the client application creates a new location at step  1306  within the client application; otherwise, the method  1300  proceeds to step  1307 , where the contents of the attachment are interpreted by the client application. At step  1307 , the client application refers to hard-coded program logic which associates the generically defined location settings to the specific location values which correspond to the operating system on the user&#39;s client computer  203 . At step  1308 , the location settings within the configuration specification are written with the location values derived by the interpretation step from the location settings in the e-mail attachment. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a method  1400  performed at the user&#39;s client computer for booting up the user&#39;s client computer  203  according to the present invention. At step  1401 , the user starts the computer. At step  1402 , the user is prompted to select the location. At step  1403 , the non-null settings are loaded into the applicable portions of the operating system and/or applications of the client computer from the location specification. At step  1404 , the operating system is booted up. 
     Brands and products referenced herein are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. 
     Although the present invention has been described with respect to its preferred embodiment, that embodiment is offered by way of example, not by way of limitation. It is to be understood that various additions and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, all such additions and modifications are deemed to lie with the spirit and scope of the present invention as set out in the appended claims.