Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC

George E Hartz

David Fusari

Eric Fontana

Rob Seliger

Chad Nale

The present discussion relates to contextually interacting with applications. One example can include a computer that has a set of applications installed thereon. This example can also include a URI manager configured to receive a context-defining URI, the URI manager can be configured to run a sub-set of the applications specified by the context-defining URI and to set a common context for the sub-set of the applications as specified by the context-defining URI.

Contextually interacting with applications

A virtual machine project manager creates a generic, i.e., not user-specific, virtual machine image file. Copies of this image file may be distributed to one or more users, each of whom may then use an automated procedure to generate a user-specific virtual machine image file and, thus, a user-specific virtual machine on his/her remote host computer. The generic virtual machine image file may be distributed on computer-readable media, such as a DVD disks, or the file may be stored on a server and downloaded (such as via the Internet) by the users. Each user also receives or downloads a token, which contains a small amount of user-specific information that is used by the automated procedure to provision the generic virtual machine image file for the particular user. A virtual machine accesses a security token connected to a host computer to automatically authenticate or re-authenticate a user, such as when a virtual private network connection is restarted. Substantially identical session identifiers are used by a host computer and a virtual machine, or by two or more virtual machines and, when communicating with an integrated access server. A file server stores virtual machine images that are accessed by a plurality of host computers.

Remote network access via virtual machine

A virtual printer driver or proxy printer driver executed by a virtual machine communicates with a real printer driver executed by a host computer to enable application programs executed by the virtual machine to print data on printers that are accessible by the host computer.

Maintaining synchronization of virtual machine image differences across server and host computers

Some embodiments relate to processing a web page requested by a web browser. The requested web page is received, and additional code is inserted into the web page that alters and/or augments the functionality of the web page. The web page is then forwarded to the web browser that requested it. The browser executes the code inserted into the web page, thereby augmenting the functionality of the web page.

Methods and apparatus for enabling context sharing

Systems and methods augment a virtual machine (computer) hosting environment from within a virtual machine. A communication channel between the virtual machine and the player is used to send instructions to the player to load and execute requested software modules. Requests to load and execute the modules may originate in the corporate network and may be issued by the corporate network administrator. If a requested module is not stored on the host computer, the virtual machine may upload the module, via the communication channel, to the player. The uploaded module may, for example: (a) install a required upgrade in the host operating system; (b) execute virus checking software on the host computer; or (c) install a corporate network-provided secure printing module that enables software being executed by the host computer to print on devices connected to the host computer.

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Windham, NH, United States of America

George E Hartz