Computer recovery or return

• US 20050071670A1
• Filed: 09/20/2004
• Published: 03/31/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 11/25/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Carolyn W. Hafeman
• Original Assignee: Carolyn W. Hafeman
• Inventors: Hafeman, Carolyn W.
• Granted Patent: US 8,601,606 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 726/34
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/31 User authentication
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/51 at application loading time, e.g. accepting, rejecting, starting or inhibiting executable software based on integrity or source reliability
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/575 Secure boot
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/6218 to a system of files or objects, e.g. local or distributed file system or database
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/88 Detecting or preventing theft or loss
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2221/2117 User registration
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 40/134 Hyperlinking

Abstract

A computer return apparatus includes a processor. The apparatus includes a memory connected to the processor. The apparatus includes a display. The apparatus includes a return screen that the processor automatically causes to appear during or after boot-up of the processor on the display, that displays information concerning an owner who owns the computer, concerning user information about who the user is who the computer is assigned to for use, and return information for returning the computer to the owner from data stored in the memory. A method for displaying information to assist with returning a computer to its owner.

Claims

1. A method for displaying information to assist with returning a computer to its owner comprising the steps of:

activating a computer; and

displaying automatically a return screen on a display of the computer during or after boot-up which displays information concerning owner information about who owns the computer, concerning user information about who the user is who the computer is assigned to for use, and return information for returning the computer to the owner from data stored in a memory of the computer.

2. A method as described in claim 1 wherein the displaying step includes the step of changing the return information by the user.

3. A method as described in claim 2 wherein the changing step includes the step of changing the return information by the user through remote communication with the computer.

4. A method as described in claim 3 including the step of changing a security prompt by the owner, overriding any security prompt entered into the computer by the user.

5. A method as described in claim 4 including the step of the owner changing recovery information of additional computers owned by the owner through remote communication by the owner with the additional computers.

6. A computer return apparatus comprising:

a processor;

a memory connected to the processor;

a display; and

a return screen that the processor automatically causes to appear during or after boot-up of the processor on the display, that displays information concerning an owner who owns the computer, concerning user information about who the user is who the computer is assigned to for use, and return information for returning the computer to the owner from data stored in the memory.

7. An apparatus as described in claim 6 including means for causing the screen to appear on the display with the owner, user and return information, the causing means stored in the memory.

8. An apparatus as described in claim 7 including means for changing the return information by the user through remote communication with the computer.

9. An apparatus as described in claim 8 wherein the changing means changes a security prompt by the owner, overriding any security prompt entered into the computer by the user.

10. An apparatus as described in claim 9 including means for changing recovery information of additional computers owned by the owner through remote communication by the owner with the additional computers.