Patent ID: 8654749

Claim:
A computer-readable memory having contents adapted to cause a computer, coupled to a mobile integrated communications appliance in which a plurality of off-the-shelf communication components are operably interconnected, to perform a method for simplifying user deployment and maintenance of the appliance, the method comprising: configuring off-the-shelf communication components connected in the mobile integrated communications appliance for establishing a self-supported communications network; monitoring the status of components of the mobile integrated communications appliance including operably interconnected off-the-shelf communication components; performing maintenance of off-the-shelf communication components operably interconnected in the mobile integrated communications appliance; conveying, on an output device, system status information indicating the monitored status of components of the mobile integrated communications appliance including operably interconnected off-the-shelf communication components; and presenting, on a user interface display, one or more configuration and maintenance wizards, wherein each wizard: presents a sequence of step-by-step instructions to the user for configuring or maintaining one or more of the components of the mobile integrated communications appliance including off-the-shelf communication components; receives, from an input device, user input in response to the presented sequence of step-by-step instructions; and configures or maintains the one or more components based on the received user input.