Patent ID: 8554936

Claim:
A computer network having a client-server mode and a grid mode, comprising: a plurality of client devices, each operating under a respective local operating system in the client-server mode and each comprising: a memory for storing computer-executable instructions; a processor for executing instructions stored in the memory; a communications protocol stored in the memory; and boot instructions stored in the memory directing the client device to attempt to boot first from the network and from a local device if the network boot is not successful; a server device to which the client devices are coupled, the server operable to: direct that each client device initiate a boot at a first predetermined time, whereupon each client device attempts to perform a network boot; upon a successful network boot by each client device, transmit a thin-client image and a grid application to each client device, whereupon each network device boots the thin-client image; direct that each client device launch the grid application, whereby each client device operates in a grid mode with substantially all resources of the processor and memory of each client device being available for use by the grid application; and at a second predetermined time, direct that each client device attempt a re-boot without providing a thin-client image, whereupon a network boot fails and each client-device boots from a local device into its respective local operating system, whereby the client devices operate in a client-server mode.