Program installation process

• US 20040194083A1
• Filed: 12/22/2003
• Published: 09/30/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 07/02/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: British Telecommunications PLC (BT Group PLC)
• Original Assignee: British Telecommunications PLC (BT Group PLC)
• Inventors: Porter, Marcus, Hindle, Ian
• Application Number:
  US10/481,590
• Publication Number:
  US 20040194083A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 717/174
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 8/61 Installation

Abstract

Operating software is installed in a computer terminal from a data carrier such as a CD ROM. The data carrier has generic software components which automatically access a server, and transmit details of the terminal'"'"'s operating system to allow the server to download information for installation of the operating software specific to the terminal'"'"'s operating system. This allows reconfiguration to be carried out automatically to accommodate a new capability, with minimal input from the user.

Claims

1. A method of installing operating software in a computer terminal in which generic software components are installed for:

automatically accessing a server, transmitting details of the terminal'"'"'s operating system to the server, downloading specific information for installation of the operating software

from the server according to the terminal'"'"'s operating system, verifying a user identity carried in the operating software,

and obtaining a certification code from the server for authentication of the terminal during any future communication.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the generic software comprises communications interface software.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the server allows access to the installation software only from specified users.

4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the server comprises a firewall system.

5. A method according to claim 3, wherein access to the server is enabled by transmission of a password.

6. A method according to claim 5, wherein the password is a product key associated with a data carrier carrying the generic software components.

7. A method according to claim 6, wherein the server permits only a limited number of accessions by users using any one product key.

8. A data carrier carrying generic software components for use in the method of claim 1.

9. A data carrier according to claim 8, carrying programming for several services, accessible by different users or user groups.

10. A data carrier according to claim 8, comprising a recording medium carrying data for reading by a reading device associated with the terminal on which the software is to be installed.

11. A general-purpose computer programmed to operate as a server and having means for receiving details of a terminal'"'"'s operating system, means for generating specific information according to the terminal'"'"'s operating system for installation of operating software on the terminal'"'"'s operating system, a database for storing user identities, means for generating a certification code for transmission to a terminal during the installation process, and means for verification of a terminal identity transmitted to the computer by a terminal'"'"'s operating system.

12. A computer according to claim 11 having means for identifying, by interrogation of a terminal, the specific configuration of the terminal and means for providing the installation software necessary for that configuration.

13. A computer according to claim 11, comprising access control means to allow access to the installation software only from specified users.

14. A computer according to claim 13, wherein the access control means comprises a firewall system having means for allowing access only by specified terminals or communications lines.

15. A computer according to claim 13, wherein the access control means comprises a password system.