Computer with special-purpose subsystems

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of:

[0002] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/862,898, entitled, A Computer with Switchable Components, filed May 21, 2001, naming Kenneth Largman and Anthony B. More and Jeffrey Blair as inventors, with Attorney Docket No. A70543/RMA/LM, and commonly assigned to Self Repairing Computers, Inc., San Francisco, Calif.;

[0003] U.S. Patent Application No. (unknown), entitled, On-The-Fly Repair Of A Computer, filed Nov. 19, 2001, naming Kenneth Largman and Anthony B. More and Jeffrey Blair as inventors, with Attorney Docket No. A-70543-1/RMA/LM, and under an obligation of assignment to Self Repairing Computers, Inc., San Francisco, Calif.;

[0004] U.S. Patent Application No. (unknown), entitled, External Repair Of A Computer, filed Feb. 11, 2002, naming Kenneth Largman and Anthony B. More and Jeffrey Blair as inventors, with Attorney Docket No. A-70543-2/RMA/LM, and under an obligation of assignment to Self Repairing Computers, Inc., San Francisco, Calif.; and

[0005] U.S. Patent Application No. (unknown), entitled, Backup Of A Computer, filed Feb. 27, 2002, naming Kenneth Largman and Anthony B. More and Jeffrey Blair as inventors, with Attorney Docket No. A-70543-3/RMA/LM, and under an obligation of assignment to Self Repairing Computers, Inc., San Francisco, Calif.

[0006] U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 09/862,898, (unknown) filed Nov. 19, 2001, (unknown) filed Feb. 11, 2002, and (unknown) filed Feb. 27, 2002 are incorporated by reference herein.

[0007] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/291,767, entitled, A Self-Repairing Computer, filed May 17, 2001, naming Kenneth Largman and Anthony B. More as inventors, with Attorney Docket No. P-70543/RMA/LM, and commonly assigned to Self Repairing Computers, Inc., San Francisco, Calif., is incorporated by reference herein.

[0008] Switching Mechanisms

[0009] A variety of events may trigger a repair system to perform a repair process on a primary system(s) to be repaired. An event, such as switch triggers, may include single step and multiple steps. Each step may include a logical or physical action initiated by the repair system itself, user, external system, or the primary system to be repaired. A step may include a logical or physical confirmation of the repair process. Individual steps may be automated by the repair system, switching process, or a primary system. An example of multiple steps that trigger the repair system may include 1) pressing a button, and then 2) sliding a switch for confirmation of the repair process. Other steps will be apparent to one skilled in the art and are therefore not described herein.

[0010] The repair may include any process that attempts to place a primary system into an idealized state or restored state. The repair system may include various apparatuses and methods previously described, including the switch process. As an example, the repair system may be triggered by voice recognition or voice identification associated with an individual step or multiple steps of a triggering event. In one embodiment, pressing a physical button triggers the repair process.

[0011] In another embodiment, the repair system may include a processor and logic that is independent from the primary system. Events may trigger the repair system independently of the primary system. The repair system may be triggered by a variety of events independently of the primary system to be repaired. Here, the repair system would be capable of receiving or recognizing the triggering event.

[0012] For example, the primary system may be nonoperational while the repair system remains operational with the capability of recognizing events that trigger a repair process, such as a user request to repair the primary system. The repair system may perform the repair process or may trigger another system or application to perform the part or all of the repair process. Other applications may include such programs as: Virus Scan, Virex, Arcserve, Assimilator, Deep Freeze, Ever Dream, Filewave, Ghost, Goback, HddSheriff, PCRdist, Retrospect, RevRdist, Rewind, Hard disk toolkit, Anubus, Drivesetup, and Charis Mac.

[0013] A repair system may include a physical switch used as a step of a triggering event for a repair process supported by other applications. Alternatively, the triggering event may activate a repair process that is performed by other applications. For example, steps associated with a button, voice command, personal identification card, retna scan, or push button with a confirmation by a slide button, key switch, or diagnostic process, could be used to activate a repair process by other applications.

[0014] In another embodiment, when a primary system, such as a computer, is started an application associated with the repair system may be triggered to perform diagnostics on the computer. The application may be used to determine if the second computer attempts to start, such that, if the second computer does not attempt to start then the repair system may modify the boot sequence of second computer to boot to a different device. The application may also initiate the rebooting of the primary system. If the second computer does start, the repair system may analyze or record the boot sequence. If boot sequence fails, the repair system may automatically reboot the primary system using a different data storage device to boot and may also initiate the repair of the primary system. The repair system may also manage an on the fly repair process, as defined previously.

[0015] In one embodiment the push of a button (or other trigger event) triggers the repair system to perform a diagnostic process and based on diagnostic results the repair system may perform the appropriate repairs. Physically pressing the button may be the only step of the triggering event. As part of the repair process, the repair system may perform a diagnostic process. The repair process may include interacting with a user to determine the repair process. For example the user may be prompted to respond to several questions, such as, Your computer will soon need a repair that could take 60 minutes to perform, alternatively a temporary repair may take 5 minutes to perform. Which repair should be performed The user response may be taken into consideration by the repair process.

[0016] A Computer With Multiple Special-Purpose Subsystems

[0017] This section provides apparatuses and methods of protecting computers and computing devices from hacking, viruses, cyber-terrorism, and from. potential damage or intrusion such as spy software, keystroke recorders and damage from hacking, viruses, worms, trojan horses, and similar threats and vulnerabilities. Cyber-terrorism is an attempt to cripple or subvert a computing system. The present invention provides a solution to potential cyber-terrorism.

[0018] A computer system of the prior art typically includes: a processor, memory, display, a display controller, and input/output controller. The present invention provides a plurality of special-purpose subsystems housed within a computer system. These special-purpose subsystems typically perform limited functions and have limited interaction with other special-purpose subsystems.

[0019] Special-purpose subsystems may be designed for many purposes, including to support storing information, performing work, and handing communication. A storage special-purpose subsystem may be designed to store data and retrieve data, while allowing limited assess to the stored data. A working special-purpose subsystem may be designed to process information, such as a general purpose computer with various applications. A communication special-purpose subsystem may be designed to facilitate communication between other special-purpose subsystems.

[0020] Each special-purpose subsystem typically includes: processing capability, memory, logic, and an interface. Processing capability may be a computer processing unit (CPU) or ASIC. The processing capability may be the computer-system CPU, or a CPU shared by multiple special-purpose subsystems. Thus, the processing capability associated with a special-purpose subsystem may also be used by the computer system or other special-purpose subsystems.

[0021] Memory may include any data storage device accessible to the special-purpose subsystem. Further, a specific memory area may be divided into logically separate areas, each of which can be associated with different special-purpose subsystem. A controller associated with the specific memory area may be configured to restrict access of a given logical memory area to a specific special-purpose subsystem. Each specific memory area may thereby be effectively isolated for use by a special-purpose subsystem.

[0022] The logic of a special-purpose subsystem supports the intended function of the system, such as storage, work, or control. The logic may include the ability to move a file, display a file, provide a directory of information available from special-purpose subsystem and other functions as necessary. Further, the logic may include or be incorporated in an operating system associated with the special-purpose subsystem. The logic may be read only or inaccessible from other special-purpose subsystems to avoid potential attacks. For example, the logic may analyze and record when files are read or written, access attempts, and associated timing. This information may be used by the logic to determine if protective measures are necessary, such as prompting the user for a confirmation of an action or denying access to the special-purpose subsystem.

[0023] The interface of a special-purpose subsystem supports the intended function. An interface of a storage system may include logic to read and write files. An interface of a working system may include a copy of a master template and applications to process and modify information, including storing temporary files. A controller system may provide an interface for receiving requests from a working system, requesting a file from a storage system, receiving the file from the storage system, and sending the requested file to the working system.

[0024] A interface may also support interaction with common controllers of the computer system, such as for a display, keyboard, or mouse. Alternatively, the special-purpose subsystem may include a separate controller for accessing common peripheral devices. Each of the interfaces associated with a special-purpose subsystem may be enabled or disabled according to a logical or physical switch, such that interaction with the special-purpose subsystem is halted or restricted to a subset of functionality associated with the interface.

[0025] According to one embodiment, two special-purpose subsystems are provided within a computer system, the first being a working system and the second being a storage system. The computer system may include a display, a display controller, and an I/O controller. Both of the special-purpose subsystems are capable of interacting with the computer system display controller and the computer system I/O controller. A separate area of the computer-system display may be associated with each of special-purpose subsystems. If a display area is selected or otherwise active, then keyboard, mouse or other I/O-controller-mediated input would be accessible to the associated special-purpose subsystem.

[0026] Another embodiment, includes a working system and a storage system that does not allow execution of data stored (with the exception of the storage-system logic). The storage system prohibits the execution of user data, such as any information stored by a user in the memory of the storage system.

[0027] The two systems are isolated from one another, and therefore events taking place in the working system cannot directly affect information stored in the storage system. Communication of data between the two systems may be through a communication controller that performs a copying process associated with moving data, such as a file, between the storage system and the working system.

[0028] Communications between special-purpose subsystems, such as the working system and the storage system may be through a communication controller, according to one embodiment. The storage system may communicate specific information to the communication controller to transfer the specific information to the working system. The communication controller may also transfer specific information from the working system to the storage system.

[0029] A user selection of a file in the storage system can be used to prompt a communication controller to copy the file from the storage system to the working system. The file can be executed or processed in the working system. Then, the file may be saved causing the communication controller to copy the file from the working system to the storage system. In the storage system the file is not executable and thus could not corrupt other files or data associated with the storage system even though the file itself may be infected with a virus or corrupted. The working system does not typically allow user data, e.g., document files, to be stored in the working system unless they are currently being used, e.g., temporary files.

[0030] Alternatively, the communication controller may interact with the common controller to display information available from the storage system. User selection of the specific information may be performed through interaction with the communication controller. For example, the communication controller may request a list of available files from a storage system, and arrange them for a display of the list through a common display driver. A user could select a file from the list for processing in a given working system. Consequently the communication controller may cause the file accessible to the storage system to be copied to the given working system. After the working system is finished processing the file, the file could be saved through the working system's interaction with the communication controller. As such the storage system and the working system are not required to directly interact with one another.

[0031] Additionally, the communication controller may preform an analysis on data accessible or transferred by the communication controller to determine the level of threat associated with storing or transferring the data, may refuse to handle the data based in part on the level of threat, may present the user with information which indicates a threat and a request to confirm the transfer or storage. Information presented to users may include the number of requests in a given time frame, extent of modifications, or origination location. The user response may be received by the communication controller and used to determine whether to allow the transfer or storage.

[0032] The working system may include a copy of a master template that represents an idealized state of an operating system. The working system may be an existing computer system capable of running an operating system, and additional logic for interaction with a special-purpose storage system. Typically the working system is incapable of interacting directly with the storage system. According to one embodiment, an interaction may be initiated by the storage system, or the controller system.

[0033] The working system is a special-purpose subsystem, and may be used to perform processing, editing or modifying data. The working system typically includes logic to display information to a user through the display controller to the computer display. Users can interact with the working system as though it were the primary computer system. The display controller and I/O controller may be used by the working system to interact with other devices associated with the computer system.

[0034] The storage system is a special-purpose subsystem, and typically includes data files that are stored in a data storage device. The data storage device may be volatile or non-volatile. The storage system may represent an existing computer system capable of running an operation system, and additional logic for interacting with a working system.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the storage system initiates an interaction with the special-purpose working system. Alternatively, the storage system interacts with other special-purpose subsystems through a communication controller. The storage system may include logic to display information to a user through the display controller coupled to the computer display.

[0036] Each special-purpose subsystem may present information to a user by utilizing the same computer display. Thus, information presented on the computer display may overlay other information being displayed by another special-purpose subsystem. The user may select specific information, e.g., a document file, to work on. The user selection of the specific information may be communicated to the storage system through a common device associated with the computer system, such as a serial I/O controller connected to a mouse or keyboard. The serial I/O controller may be utilized when storage information is presented to the user. After specific information is requested, the storage system may transfer the specific information to another special-purpose subsystem such as a working system. The storage system may initiate the transfer of the specific information. In one embodiment the storage system initiates the transfer to a working systems interface. Alternatively, the storage system initiates the transfer to a common memory area for access by a working system. Another embodiment provides the storage system transfers the specific information according to a communication controller to the working system.

[0037] The working system may then access the specific information provided by the storage system. After processing, modifying or viewing the specific information, an altered version may be saved or returned to the storage system. Before saving the specific information, the working system may preform an analysis to determine the level of threat associated with storing the information, and may refuse to save the information or may present the user with a confirmation request and information which indicates a threat. The working system may save the specific information to the storage system, the working system may transfer the specific information to another special-purpose subsystem such as a storage system. The working system may initiate the transfer of the specific information. In one embodiment the working system initiates the transfer to a storage systems interface. Alternatively, the working system initiates the transfer to a common memory area for access by a storage system. In another embodiment, the working system transfers the specific information through a communication controller to the storage system.

[0038] In one embodiment, the storage system may preform an analysis to determine the level of threat presented by storing the information, and may refuse to store the information or present the user with a confirmation request and additional information which indicates a threat.

[0039] Data may be moved between special-purpose subsystems using a separate logic control device, such as an ASIC or logic control device utilizing direct memory access. The process of moving data does not allow the data to be executed, which could possibly enable hacking, viruses, and the like. Additionally, data may be encrypted, compressed, or encoded to prevent its execution.

[0040] A control system may be an additional type of special-purpose subsystem, and could provide overall operation of the computer, computing devices, and other special-purpose subsystems. Additionally the control system may orchestrate the process of copying data, switching network communication, and repair functions as needed. The control system may be read-only, permit read only access as needed when interacting with other special-purpose subsystems such as a storage system or working system. Both the network communication and repair process may be controlled by the control system. Optionally the control system could have limited communication with other special-purpose subsystems while maintaining an ability to initiate or conduct a copy process, activate and terminate communication to other special-purpose subsystems.

[0041] Special-purpose subsystems may be combined into a single special-purpose system that performs functions associated with the individual special-purpose subsystems, such that the single special-purpose subsystem functions performs the functions as separate threads. In one embodiment, a storage system, communication system, and working system may be combined into a computer system as individual processes executed by the computer system. The computer system may utilize any method of isolating the individual processes using techniques known in the art.

[0042] In contrast, a special-purpose subsystem or a set of special-purpose subsystems may be spread out over a number of additional special-purpose subsystems, such that some of the functionality associated with the system or set is performed by the additional special-purpose subsystems.

[0043] Repair Process

[0044] Optionally, a special-purpose subsystem may be repaired or returned to an ideal state using an automated repair process. Such repairs may be conducted on the fly, or after each transaction or without rebooting. Master templates typically represent an ideal state of a special-purpose subsystem, and may be stored on a storage system. A transaction may include reading e-mail, wherein the opening of each individual e-mail messages represents a separate transaction. Optionally, one or more items can be ignored during a repair process. For example if an e-mail has been opened, a repair process may run ignoring the open e-mail, detect and repairs problems, and then a user may respond to the e-mail without quitting it. In another embodiment, all downloads and e-mail can be saved immediately to the storage system prior to opening the download or e-mail in the work subsystem.

[0045] In one embodiment, the logic of a special-purpose subsystem, such as a working system, may trigger an event associated with a repair process. The repair process may perform a comparison between a master template of the working system and state of the current working system. Any differences between them could trigger a subsequent repair process in which some or all data that is different is deleted from the working system. Further, data may be copied from the master template by the repair process as necessary. In one embodiment, the repair process may make the working system identical to the master template.

[0046] In one embodiment, a repair process can be conducted after one or more e-commerce transactions, or after surfing one or more web pages, and the like. Thus all known and unknown viruses and trojan horses can be made impotent prior to the next transaction. While this process does not eliminate viruses, worms and trojan horses from the computer (they may be stored in the storage system), it keeps them in an in operative state. The repair process could repair volatile and non-volatile memory, or clear volatile memory, or set volatile memory to an ideal state.

[0047] In one embodiment, if the user selects more than one e-mail to open, two or more e-mails could be copied to the working system and could be open simultaneously. Optionally each e-mail could be copied to its own separate isolated working system, opened, viewed, and worked on separately. If the user needs to copy data from one isolated e-mail to another isolated e-mail, a copying process can be used that does not allow code to execute.

[0048] In one embodiment, web commerce software, or e-mail software, or any software can be modified so that individual records, or only copies of the records that are specifically needed for a transaction are copied to the storage system, utilized and then copied back to the database in the storage system, and after each such transaction a repair can be conducted. Optionally, in a transaction in which data interacts with more than one database or CGI for example, the transaction can be broken up into discrete segments, data copied to and from the isolated storage system(s) or working systems as needed, and repairs can be run between each segment of a transaction, or between some segments of a transaction. Optionally, software can contain instructions that define what type of data can comprise a transaction, limiting the copy process to only copying data that meets certain criteria.

[0049] Cyber-Terrorism Examples

[0050] Cyber-terrorism represents a number of threats. One such threat occurs when e-mails are downloaded of which one e-mail contains a virus that when executed has the ability to infect other e-mail, infect the e-mail program so that it sends a copy of the virus with each new e-mail sent, and the virus places a hidden item in the operating system or applications that when executed after a period of two days, destroys the format or data structure or device drivers contained on any accessible data storage device, Such a virus may have been unknown and no protection or method of identification is available from virus-detection companies.

[0051] The protection process is described for processing e-mail, according to one embodiment. Upon download to the working system the unopened e-mails are then copied to the storage system (or alternatively they could be directly downloaded to the storage system) using a method in which the data cannot execute. A list of the e-mail subjects and who sent the e-mail and other pertinent information can be created and displayed to the user. For example this list could be generated by the storage system or the control system. User selects an e-mail to open. A copy of that e-mail is copied to the working system and then may be automatically opened. Optionally, a virus scan of the e-mail may be conducted. User reads and responds to the e-mail, and the response may be copied to the storage system. A repair process may take place and repairs volatile or non-volatile data storage devices as needed.

[0052] Further, according to the example, a user selects next e-mail to open. This e-mail contains the virus. It is copied to the working system and is opened. No other e-mail is available for it to infect, but the e-mail infects the system folder used by that working system and several applications used in that working system. The user decides to respond to the e-mail and selects respond. Optionally prior to responding, a repair process can be run or comparative process may be made between a master template and the working system. During the repair process or comparative process, the changes to the operating system associated with that working system or applications could be noted, and based on the difference(s) a virus warning could be drawn to the users attention, warning user not to respond to the e-mail as it may negatively affect the computer receiving the e-mail. Optionally a dialog can suggest that the user contact a virus alert center (ie. such as a national or international virus alert center that collects or responds to potential virus alerts.) and notify the center of the virus, or to allow the repair process to notify a virus alert center concerning the potential virus.

[0053] Optionally, based on certain criteria such as a virus threat analysis based on the type of changes made to the operating system or applications, the repair process could initiate commands to disable the network connection or e-mail software, or disable the e-mail process, or give the user a dialog indicating that based on the results of the virus threat analysis, the user may not be permitted to respond to the e-mail, and the ability to respond to that e-mail has been disabled. That e-mail could then be destroyed, or quarantined, or kept in isolation or kept in a storage system. Optionally such virus could be stored and deletion would not be permitted, pending approval from some entity, such as a virus alert center that could authorize destruction of the virus by providing (for example) a code that would allow destruction of the virus. Optionally upon receiving such code the repair process could automatically destroy the virus laden e-mail. Optionally, the file could be encrypted or compressed, or modified in such a way that it could not execute and the repair process could send it to the virus alert center (with or without permission from the user.)

[0054] Optionally, such modification to computers and computing devices may be required by law, and the part of the repair process that dealt with potential viruses may be modified as needed to interact with government/commercial virus checking companies. For example a method of allowing upgrade of the software that dealt with viruses, permission to delete files, etc. may be required. In such cases specialized code could be created to interact with government agencies that would allow or require upgrade of the repair or virus checking software, allow or deny destruction of infected files, etc.

[0055] The repair process may run and make the working system identical to the master template, destroying all viruses, worms, and other changes in the process. The user finishes with the e-mail and selects the next e-mail. A repair may be conducted and then the next e-mail may then be copied to the working system, without risk of infection.

[0056] Loading a Master Template Into Volatile Memory

[0057] In one embodiment, to further speed the repair process a master template of the working system and the software in the working system, may each be loaded into their own separate isolated volatile memory areas or shells to increase the speed of the repair process. Thus, if data in the working system is in volatile memory and the master template is in volatile memory, repairs can be conducted at higher speeds. Alternativly a new working system shell can be utilized, eliminating the need for a repair. For example a user could open an e-mail, and read the e-mail using one shell, and if they want to respond to the e-mail a second shell could be used for the response. (Optionally the first shell can be checked for a virus while the user is writing a response to an e-mail using a second shell.) Additonal shells can be made ready for use.

[0058] In another embodiment, data can be downloaded directly to a storage system, using a method of encrypting or compressing or other copying which prevents execution of the data. A virus checking or repair process can be run as part of the repair sequence, or as a separate sequence. Optionally, an isolated hidden backup or archive system may be utilized with this invention, which may make an array of hidden backups or archives of the storage system or working system volatile or non-volatile memory/memories or data as desired, and which may be time stamped. Copying of data to such backup or archive system could also use techniques described herein to prevent execution of files and damage to the data on the backup system.

[0059] Optional Information Regarding Copying or Saving Data

[0060] In one embodiment, the process of copying data may be dumb or restricted so that data being copied can't execute and thus the data on that data storage device can't be damaged by malicious code. For example, to move/copy data it can be encoded, or an ASIC can be utilized, or direct memory transfer or any other method of moving or copying data can be used that does not allow data to execute.

[0061] Optionally, copying could be orchestrated by a StoreExecute/control system that could have access to the isolated working system(s) and isolated storage system(s).

[0062] Selecting a file to open in the storage system could initiate a process whereby a file is copied from the storage system to the working system and opened. Saving a file in the working system could initiate a process whereby the file is copied to the storage system. Quitting a file in the working system could initiate a process whereby the file is copied to the storage system and deleted in the storage system.

[0063] The term copy or copies or copying may be used in its broadest sense, and may include an algorithm, snapshot, compressed data, bit by bit, encryption, encoding, and the like.

[0064] Optional Information Explanation of Data Storage ASSOCIATED with the Working System

[0065] Optionally, the data storage associated with a user working system could be temporary data storage, used while a file or files are needed or actively being worked on or needed by the system or the user. For example, when files were not being worked on they could be moved to the storage system, (ie. copied to the storage system and deleted from the working system). Thus, except for a copy of the Master Template located in the working system, data not being used is not stored on the working system data storage device where it would be potentially subject to being infected, damaged, destroyed, hacked, or manipulated in some way.

[0066] Optional Use With Web Sites

[0067] Optionally, the working system could support a web site, or a computer could contain more than one working system or more than one storage system that could support various functions. For example one working system could contain a web site, while another working system is used by a user.

[0068] Optionally, one or more NetLock devices (described in the Appendices) may be used and may automatically switched or enable/disable network connections as desired.

[0069] Optionally, one or more NetLock devices may be used to switch, enable, or disable connections to a working system as needed.

[0070] Optionally, use of web software could indicate to a controller that is associated with a Netlock Device and is process watching to enable a network connection to or from a working system, and quitting all network software (or lack of activity or other trigger) may indicate to a controller associated with the NetLock device to disable the network connection.

[0071] Optional Explanation of Automatic Backup or Archiving

[0072] Optionally, an automatic backup or archiving process may be associated with the storage system or the working system. Volatile or nonvolatile data may be saved, backed up or archived.

[0073] In one embodiment, external devices may be isolated and be used as storage systems. Alternatively, one or more external device(s) could also be isolated and used as one or more working systems. External ports can be connected to switches and switched, enabled, or disabled to connect to one or more isolated working systems, and then switched to connect to one or more isolated storage systems. Such switching may be done manually or automatically, or using a hardware switching process or a software switching process.

[0074] Optionally, in one embodiment, each time a save is made in a working system, a copy can be made to a storage system. Optionally, in order to prevent a virus or Trojan horse from causing havoc by performing millions of saves that get saved to the storage system, there could optionally be imposed a limit on frequency that a file could be saved, or other limitations could be placed on the process of saving data to the working system. (Optionally this could be part of the ROM or StoreExecute program.)

[0075] Optionally a quarantine data storage device can be used, or one or more common data storage device(s). Optionally, such data storage device can be accessed by the working system, or by the storage system, or by another logic control device that may also have access to the working system or storage system.

[0076] Optionally, a storage system may utilize one or more data storage devices. A working system can utilize one or more data storage devices. A working system and storage system can share a data storage device if they are isolated from each other. For example, a data storage device could be partitioned into two or more partitions, for example: Partition A and Partition B.

[0077] Optionally, working system A could consist of an isolated computing process associated with an isolated data storage partition located on partition A. Storage system B could consist of an isolated computing process associated with an isolated data storage partition located on partition B. Partitions can be isolated in a manner similar to how data storage devices can be isolated. Control over the partitions could optionally rely up an isolated computing process C.

[0078] Optionally, applications and programs stored in the isolated working system can be repaired on command or automatically as needed. Optionally, a comparison process between a master template and the application/software in use could be used as a basis for how the application/software should look, and if different, components could be replaced as needed.

[0079] Optionally, a separate processor that has restricted functionality may be used to process data in the isolated working system, or the main processor can be given a restricted functionality. This can be done with multiple data storage devices, or one data storage device that has isolated partitions.

[0080] Optionally, the ability to execute files (located on a nonvolatile data storage device associated with a working system) may be enabled/disabled as needed. For example, logic control software may not contain code needed to execute files located on a nonvolatile data storage device associated with a storage system, or code needed to execute files can be disabled/enabled or switched on/off as needed.

[0081] Optionally, the logic control software associated with the storage system may be set to read only, or inaccessible from the working system or storage system (so that malicious code can not effect the software nor the processor nor gain access to the storage system). Optionally, a third isolated logic control and computing processes may be used to access that code. A logic control and computing processes may be performed via separate logic control and processing devices, or be on a single device that has the ability to isolate two or more logic control processes.

[0082] Optionally, data that is copied from the volatile or nonvolatile data storage device(s) associated with the working system to the storage system can be deleted from the working system and associated data storage devices as needed. This may help to prevent hacking, etc.

[0083] Optionally, working system(s) or their associated Data Storage Devices, and storage system(s) or their associated Data Storage Devices, need not be on a computing device together. They can be on a network, external, have wireless connections, or be anywhere. For example, a computing device may have a working system, in which an associated nonvolatile data storage device is in a nearby server; and a storage system may be located over a network, and associated with an external wireless data storage device.

[0084] Optionally, a working system may not have an associated non-volatile data storage device. A working system could be limited to volatile storage. Additionally, a working system may have a plurality of processing functions or processors associated with it.

[0085] In one embodiment a switching process that may be controlled by the control system that may be used to switch which system(s) have access to network communication. Network communication can be dedicated to a particular working system/or storage system, or switched as needed.

[0086] Optional Shells

[0087] Optionally, using a variation of the Shell approach, isolated shells may operate as working systems optionally with associated data storage, and other isolated shells can operate as storage systems optionally with associated data storage. Data may be copied to and from to the working system and storage system shells associated volatile or nonvolatile memory using a copy process that prevents the execution of data.

[0088] Optional Changes to Software

[0089] Optionally, in order to enhance the effectiveness of the isolated working system & storage system embodiments described above, the following changes may be made to software. Data used by the software may be kept in a storage system until needed. Data can be broken up and only data pulled from the working system that is needed. For example, instead of treating an e-mail in box as one file, e-mail programs can be modified to treat them as separate files, and only copy specific file(s) into or out of the working system as needed, keeping all of the other data isolated. Alternatively, data could be stored in the working system as one or more files, but when for example a specific e-mail was needed, only that specific e-mail part of a file could be copied to the working system, and data could be saved from the working system into that one file in the storage system.

[0090] E-mail was used here as an example. Optionally, software, and especially software used for the web, may use the approach of storing records as individual files, or keeping them in one or more files and only bringing the data into the working system that is needed at that time or is likely to be needed.

[0091] Optionally, when a Netlock device enables internet connection e-mail and other software used on the web that is currently in the working system may be limited to only data that needs to be sent or used, limiting a hackers ability to access any other data. During web commerce sessions, data can be frequently moved to and from the storage system as needed to ensure that the least possible, preferably only that data required and in use or needed for use is in the working system.

[0092] Optionally, an index or database containing content of some data or files contained in the storage system may be moved to or located in the working system. When such data is selected to use or open, it could then be copied into the working system as needed and copied back to the storage system when not needed, and deleted from the working system.

[0093] Optionally, switching data storage device identity may be done using software that interacts with the data storage device or data storage device controller. Such software could be isolated from the working system and storage system. For example it could be part of an isolated StoreExecute that conducts the repair process, or it could be on it's own isolated StoreExecute. This may necessitate a change in some data storage device controllers to enable them to accept software commands to change identity/boot sequence.

[0094] Optionally, a data storage device may be hot swappable, and turned on only as necessary during the isolated backup event.

[0095] Optional Netlock

[0096] Optionally, the netlock device may be controlled by any type of logic control device, triggered automatically or manually, by a hardware or software process. Switch trigger may include or utilize a timer/scheduler. It may also include any method of triggering a switching process. For example, a coin operated mechanism or pin card operated mechanism could be used that triggers netlock. A dual or multi-line version of netlock that can deal with more than one network connection (two or more network connections), in which case the netlock device may optionally be modular in nature to add additional network connections as needed.

[0097] Optionally, a dual or multi-line version of netlock that can deal with more than one network connection (two or more network connections), in which case the netlock device may optionally be modular in nature to add additional network connections as needed. If so desired the multi-line version could potentially controlled by one logic controller or switching process.

[0098] The inventions and methods described herein can be viewed as a whole, or as a number of separate inventions that can be used independently or mixed and matched as desired. All inventions, steps, processed, devices, and methods described herein can be mixed and matched as desired. All previously described features, functions, or inventions described herein or by reference may be mixed and matched as desired.

[0099] Optionally, a process hereinafter referred to as an Installer Watcher, may run in the background of a computer that can look for activity that appears to be an installer. If the user attempts to install software, the attempt at installation may be halted and a dialog could query the user as to whether the user is installing software. If so the Installer Watcher could walk the user through a process of installation or testing the software prior to updating a Master Template or during actual update of a Master Template.

[0100] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments and best mode of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

[0101] This description includes and incorporates the four Appendices which follow: Appendix A, Appendix B, Appendix C, and Appendix D. Appendix A itself refers to an Appendix. That referenced Appendix is a sub-Appendix within Appendix A.