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The EPO define a computer implemented invention as an invention that works by using a computer, a computer network or other programmable apparatus. To qualify, the invention also needs to have one or more features which are “realised wholly or partly by means of a computer program”.

Before the European Patent Convention 1973, the implementation of the specific provisions relating to computer related inventions was generally left to the EPO, member states and national courts to resolve.  It was felt that as technology developed a specific definition of what would qualify as a patentable invention could potentially restrict or omit emerging technologies. Also there was much disdain towards the US treatment of Software Patents and wariness about letting the practice infiltrate to Europe.

Finally, it was also widely believed that copyright and database right were sufficient protection for software code, and that allowing patenting of a computer program might lead to double protection, which would fall foul of competition laws.

While some countries grant patents for software, the patent practice in Europe requires an applicant to show their invention actually makes a contribution in a technical field.  

The European Patent Convention 2000 (as amended), the legislative instrument governing the grant of European Patents at Art 52 (1) ‘Patentable Inventions’ states that “European patents shall be granted for any inventions, in all fields of technology, provided that they are new, involve an inventive step and are susceptible of industrial application.” The section then lists a few groups of exclusions at Art 52 (2),  namely:- (a) discoveries, scientific theories and mathematical methods; (b)aesthetic creations; (c) schemes, rules and methods for performing mental acts, playing games or doing business, and programs for computers; and (d) presentations of information.  However, it goes on to include a clause that the subject matter relating to these exclusions shall be excluded from patentability “only to the extent to which a European patent application or European patent relates to such subject-matter or activities as such“. 

Over the years there has been much banging of heads about what the true meaning of the ‘…as such’ – especially because the EPO has  not provided a clear indication as to what the words mean in  relation to ‘computer programs’. The only explanation has been that for computer implemented inventions to be patentable, they must have technical effect/ character, and solve a technical problem, in addition to the other requirements of patentability. However, this simply begs the questions what is, or isn’t technical character and what is or isn’t a technical problem.

Case law is where one hopes to find the answers to these questions.  However, the EPO has been somewhat inconsistent.

In Vicom/Computer-related Invention [1987] the EPO said that a claim directed to a technical process which is carried out under the control of a program (to be implemented in hardware or software) cannot be regarded as relating to a computer program as such as it is the application of the program for determining the sequence of steps in the process for which in effect protection is sought and that such a claim is allowable under art 52 of the EPC.

Then came Merrill Lynch’s Application [1989] establishing that there must be “some technical advance on the prior art in the form of a new result.” Although Vicom established that programs running on known hardware were patentable, many applications for such programs had been hopelessly unsuccessful.

Fujitsu’s Application [1996] was for a method of modelling crystal structures for designing inorganic compounds by manipulating the images of known structures, a process that had previously been done by linking bits of plastic. The examiner decided that the invention fell within the exclusions, being nothing more than a computer program and a method for performing a mental act. On Appeal to the High Court it was found that the invention was “in substance of a scheme or method for performing a mental act” The Court of Appeal dismissed the subsequent appeal that followed, concluding that the important question was whether the invention produced a technical contribution, not if it provided a new tool.

Thus, in the UK, computer implemented inventions are not patentable if they fall within the exclusions of the Patent Act 1977 Section 1(2), which has similar provisions to those of Art 52.

The current practice however comprises a ‘four step test’ that originates from the principles in Aerotel/ Macrossan’s case which involved a new automated method of acquiring the documents necessary to incorporate a company. It involved a user sitting at a computer and communicating with a remote server, answering questions. The four steps were:

(1) properly construe the claim

(2) identify the actual contribution;

(3) ask whether it falls solely within the excluded subject matter;

(4) check whether the actual or alleged contribution is actually technical in nature.

In comparison with the EPO’s approach, and in light of cases such as Astron Clinica Ltd {2008], the  practice has been challenged and even dismissed as incorrect, especially because, some of the UK decisions have not been clear in identifying the technical contribution, or indeed what comprises technical character. Although some judges have tried to interpret the four step test as being in line with the EPO approach, the judgement in Macrossan’s also appears to reject the fundamental principles set out in other earlier judgements for example the Fujitsu’s Application, a judgement that suggest the UK Courts should seek guidance from the case law of the EPO.

On 22nd October 2008, the President of the European Patent Office (EPO), Alison Brimelow, made a referral to the Enlarged Board of Appeal (the EPO’s Supreme judiciary body) on several questions pertaining to the Patentability of Computer Implemented inventions. With patent applications for computer-based inventions experiencing the highest growth rate among all patent categories filed at the European Patent Office (EPO) over the past few years, it will be interesting to see what the response from the Enlarged Board of Appeal will be.

Shireen Smith
http://www.articlesbase.com/patents-articles/computer-implemented-inventions-where-are-we-now-691593.html

Remote Computer support is a title given to a comprehensive array of services offering help with computer hardware and software. These remote computer support services try to assist users to solve their PC woes. A majority of companies avoid sending or training individuals to avail knowledge about the system that should be followed and exercised regarding the problems that can be encountered in the products.

There are numerous ways to contact companies that sell computer repair services, mostly offer tech support over the telephone or online via the Internet. You can know or ask tips from experts and experienced individuals volunteer especially if you are a beginner.

As far remote computer help is concerned, it can be availed through different media, including e- mail, live chat, telephones, applications, faxes, and technicians, but the most common is over the telephone. So it is you to decide the type of mode you want to avail tech support.

The computer support required by individual depends on what level it is. Since there can be number of services s that cannot be supported in lower levels of support. Therefore they are supported with the help of higher level services. When it comes to basic computer problems, they can be easily dealt with by using your telephone. And hardware problems sometimes needed to be negotiated with an experienced technician or certified agents.

Here are some helpful hints that should be followed for your assistance:

1.    Whenever calling tech support resources, be specific about your computer problems. Tell the technician about all symptoms you have noticed till now or the reasons that trigger the issues that you encountered. Never forgot any detail, because this might be the key in resolving your computer problems. The more details you provide, the issue will have better chance of getting solved faster.

2.    If you are using e-mail to tell technician about your problems, never use an anonymous account. This won’t be accepted by any computer support vendors. Always leave your phone number for technicians to contact you.  Due to their numerous e- mails that they received, you may also use the e- mail address that they can reply to.

Joshep John
http://www.articlesbase.com/computers-articles/remote-computer-support-services-694771.html

TV tuner cards are electronic components that make a computer monitor function like a television. By installing the TV cards for computer, one can watch all the television programs available on the home television, on the computer screen. Computer offers more options with the television programs such as capturing the images and recording the video.

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TV tuner cards are electronic components that make a computer monitor function like a television. By installing the TV cards for computer, one can watch all the television programs available on the home television, on the computer screen. Computer offers more options with the television programs such as capturing the images and recording the video.

An Overview Of TV Tuner Cards

TV cards for computers are widely available. These cards have been in popular use for over a decade. It is a card that can be slotted into a specific location on the motherboard of a computer. One will also need to install the driver software and a software application. For the smooth functioning of the card, ideally one will have hardware and software requirements specified in the user manual of the tuner card. Practically, this will not be a big problem as these cards work smoothly on most of the commonly used hardware and software configurations.

You will need a television program feed either from a cable distribution system or from a terrestrial antenna. The normal cable connection or antenna output one uses for the home television can itself be utilized for this purpose. No special or secondary connection is required. All one has to do is connect the output of the cable network or terrestrial antenna to the input of the TV card for computers.

The software packages one gets along with the TV card normally provide the facility to capture images and record the videos of the television programs. Even if such a facility is not in the supplied software package list, one can easily download free software utilities from the internet. One can find various varieties of TV cards for computers in computer stores. These are basically classified into two groups: cards that can be connected as USB devices and those that can be connected as PCI device.

Stephenfeilds
http://www.articlesbase.com/television-articles/tv-cards-for-computer-bridging-the-tvpc-divide-689569.html

Have you ever come across a message on your computer saying that a particular feature or software that you are attempting to use is not supported? You have a resident anti-virus program scanning and protecting your computer and yet, people you know complain about receiving viruses in emails sent by you? If this is frequently the case, have you been updating all the software and the Operating System installed on your computer regularly?

Many computer users do not pay attention to regular update notices issued by makers of software, and prefer to give the updates a go-by and continue with what they are doing. This is not a very wise move as regular updates can make your computer more efficient and improve your productivity by giving you more efficient use of installed software.

Here’s why you should make it a practice to periodically update your software

1. Eliminate Bugs – Most makers of software regularly release patches and updates correcting the bugs that have been brought to their attention. By updating, you eliminate potential errors.

2. Improve Security – Software inevitably has many weak points that can be exploited by unscrupulous hackers to attack your computer if you happen to use that software. Updates usually improve the security aspect of the software by removing these vulnerabilities.

3. Added Features – Throughout the lifecycle of a product, market demand drives the inclusion of added features such as multilingual support and expansion of file formats supported. Updating software ensures that you benefit from these improvements.

4. Using Third-Party Software – After software is released into the market, several third-party programs may be released for working with the software installed on your computer. The manufacturer may also release updates with plug-ins for seamless data interchange between the packages. You may not be in a position to get the most out of the third-party software without installing updates on your computer.

5. Fading Technical Support – The older a software release gets, fewer resources are expended on technical support by the makers. In order to ensure availability of technical support, updating software is essential.

6. Incompatibility with Newer Software – With the fast-pace in technology advancement, older versions may not function correctly or efficiently with later software whereas updated versions keep pace with technology changes.

7. Enhanced Device Connectivity – The makers of the software attempt to increase the range of hardware devices that their software can interact with in their updates and installing updates can help you extend the range of the hardware that can be used with your computer.

Pinky Mcbanon
http://www.articlesbase.com/computers-articles/7-top-reasons-why-you-have-to-regularly-install-updates-on-your-computer-709845.html

For the latest in computers, computer peripherals and supplies, digital electronics and the newest mobile phones look no further than the Mongkok Computer Centre. It is a comprehensive electronic shopping centre that consists of a few floors.

This convenient market place for computers and computer related goods is located at 8 Nelson Street, in Mong Kok, Hong Kong. This unique computer centre houses 50 to 70 computer shops. The main products on sale at these shops consist of computer software, laptops, hardware, MP3, MP4 players and other related accessories.

The prices offered here are also considered not so bad. Customers can purchase hardware in order to assemble their own personal computer with high performance levels. However most of these shops at the Mongkok Computer Centre do not open for business until noon but are open until 9 in the evening.

MongKok Computer Centre is on the same level as the renowned 298 Computer Zone, Sham Shui Po’s Golden Computer Arcade, Wanchai’s Computer Centre or even Golden Shopping Centre.

Like many other shopping venues in Hong Kong, MongKok Computer Centre also gets crowded mainly in off-work hours. The computer centre is situated on Nelson Street and lies in close proximity to the Ladies Market set on Tung Choi Street. The goldfish street  is also located within easy reach.

The most convenient way to reach the Mongkok Computer Centre is by MTR. Shoppers will have to get off at the Mongkok station and not at the East Mongkok station.

Recently Mongkok Computer Centre together with Huawei-3Com hosted an event to declare and celebrate the launch of wireless internet connection in Mongkok Computer Centre.

Those who wish to get the best deals from the Mongkok Computer Centre can do so by conveniently staying at any of the nearby hotels in Hong Kong. Travellers can also choose to stay at the many modern and lavish 5 star hotels in Hong Kong. Hotels like Langham Place Hotel Hong Kong are well known for offering comfortable and luxurious accommodation in a superb location.

Naveen Marasinghe
http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/a-paradise-for-the-computer-enthusiasts-729871.html

A fairly high percentage of computer users are now educated enough to know they must have security products deployed in order to protect their computers.

In the case of Corporate Users, the IT staff makes sure their gateway is stacked with the latest and greatest security appliances protecting the parameter.

In the case of Home Users, the users themselves make sure to install security software, typically a combination of personal firewall, antivirus and anti-spam. Or a single streamlined Internet Security Suite.

In both cases, the solution is simply not good enough!

We’ll start with explaining why security software running on top of the computer it aims to protect will always be inferior to an external hardware solution.

The following points are well known to the IT professionals as they would obviously never rely on software installed on users’ computers alone, and will always focus on the hardware-based security appliances protecting the organization’s perimeter.

The advantages of external hardware-based security appliances are:

Immunity from the inherent vulnerabilities of the underlying OS – If, for instance, an organization is running MS Windows on all its computers, the security software installed o the computer will still suffer from the same underlying vulnerabilities and backdoors that Windows inherently has. When you are protected by an external appliance who has its own proprietary OS (Or a flavor thereof), the security mechanism does not suffer from these vulnerabilities.

Mobile code is not run – content arriving from the internet is not executed on these appliances it just goes or does not go through into the network. It makes it more difficult to attack as the mobile code delivered by the hackers does not run on the appliances.

Cannot be uninstalled – Security attacks often start by targeting the security software, while trying to uninstall it or stop its activity. Software-based security solutions, as any software program includes an uninstall option that can be targeted. In contrast, the hardware-based security appliances cannot be uninstalled as they are hard coded into the hardware.

Non-writable Memory – Hardware-based solutions manage the memory in a restricted and controlled manner. The security appliances can prohibit access to its memory, providing greater protection against attacks on the security mechanism.

Controlled by IT personnel – The security appliances are controlled by IT, who constantly maintains the highest security policies and updates.

Performance – The security appliances are optimized for maximum security and operate independently from computers in the network, not degrading the performance of the desktops or consuming their resources.

Prevent potential software conflicts – The security application you install on your computer will reside on the same computer with an unknown amount of other unknown software all using the same CPU, memory, OS and other resources. This often results in various conflicts, “friendly fire” between 2 or more unrelated security application installed on the same computer etc. When using a dedicated hardware security appliance, nothing runs except for the intended use it was made for.

These are all just the general conceptual problems of protecting a computer with the exclusive reliance on an installed software security application.

There’s a lot more to be said about the problems with these types of solutions. The lack of Network Address Translation (As you’d get in a dedicated external hardware-based security appliance), lack of physical network separation (DMZ), the fact that even simple ARP poisoning attack cannot be stopped by them and much, much more.

Now that we’ve clearly established that using software-based security applications is not the best security solution – what’s wrong with the security that Corporate Users get? The IT staff makes sure their gateway is stacked with the latest and greatest security appliances protecting the parameter.

We’ve shown that that would be the best way to go – So where is the problem?

The answer to that is simple – Mobility.

More and more of the corporate users actually have laptops and no desktop computers. More and more users are becoming mobile, working remotely from outside the organization, working either from home, or are simply on the road traveling as part of their business duties.

The minute the user packs up his laptop and leaves the protected (by a series of dedicated hardware security appliances) organizational perimeter – all the amount of money and professional effort that went into building up the corporate gateway, all of that becomes meaningless!

The user has left the corporate protection behind, and is left essentially “naked” only with the software security solution to his protection. And we’ve already established above it is not enough.

So what is the perfect solution?

The perfect solution that solves all the issues presented above is simply to use a Personal Security Appliance – A term coined by Yoggie Security Systems.

Yoggie has coined the term and essentially created a whole new category of security products. The first of its kind in the world is the Yoggie Gatekeeper which is a powerful and robust hardware-based security appliance that connects to the laptop and externally scans and protects all the traffic with a series of 13 different security applications.

The Yoggie Gatekeeper is tiny and mobile, fits comfortably in your palm and can simply be attached to a USB port on your laptop, which provides both the power and connectivity.

This way the powerful corporate-level security can be re-instated even as the user is away from the protected corporate perimeter, allowing the laptop user maximum performance and productivity (by offloading it and using external security applications, instead of laptop-installed ones), giving them the highest level of security, and allowing the IT department means to monitor and enforce security policies over remote and traveling laptops without being intrusive to their users!

Robert
http://www.articlesbase.com/technology-articles/security-the-hardware-advantage-202691.html

A working computer station has two major components – hardware and software. Hardware is the physical part of the system. This term is used for almost all kind of technology that is physical and operates on an electronic level. Software is all the programs installed on the system in order for us to work with it. It is compound by a base program called operation system and other programs simply called programs or with the general term – software.

When we talk about computer repairing we usually refer to both – software and hardware. We cannot separate them because they work as one.

In this article we will go on with some common problems and how to deal with them. This will give you an idea what you need to help yourself and when an expert is needed.

The first problem we will discuss is when the computer is not booting. The booting is a process that starts immediately after we push the power button of the computer and it begins working. If it doesn’t we need to check all cables and connections. The cable to the power supply is the first to go, then the cable from the power supply to the motherboard and finally the one that is linked directly to the power button.

Sometimes the computer powers up and you will be able to see that all FANs are working properly but still you may not see anything on the screen. If this is the case you have to know that even if you don’t have operation system you still need to see the BIOS. If the monitor stays black then you have to check the video card and the connection between the card and the monitor. Check the cable too because sometimes it causes that kind of problems. Look for bend pins and damages on the cable.

If everything seems normal but you still don’t see a thing on the screen you have to consider worse case scenario – the motherboard or only the CPU is dead. This means that if true you have to change them.

A common issue with hardware problems is the hard drive problem. If the operation system doesn’t starts and the BIOS just stops it is possible that the hard drive is not detected. You have to check it in the BIOS setup and see if you can detect it manually. After that you need to check the IDE cable (for IDE controllers) – this is the one that connects your hard drive to the motherboard. Check the one to the power supply too. If it’s still not working try to hear if the hard drive begins to spin when you power up the computer. Listen for unusual sounds too. It is possible to hear some if the drive is not working properly.

Even if there are no hardware problems you may still face some software ones. Usually when you don’t know what causes the problem but the software is not working you can just reinstall it. Many problems are solved like this but sometimes even after reinstall the software you want is not working. Many programs are sharing components and sometimes the version of the component may cause problems because for example the first program needs an old version of it but the new one you just installed needs new version of the component.

To prevent many software problems you can make maintenance of the software by updating it regularly and checking for problems with software tools. They are made to look for registry problems and component sharing problems that usually cause your software to not work properly.

Always pay attention to error messages because they may see unimportant but are your door way to the solution of the problem.

However if you can’t fix a problem or if you are afraid that you are not skilled and could damage you hardware you have to look for expert. Many web sites today like Rescue Techusa give you the ability to contact the people you need and to easily solve your problem using their help.

Kalin
http://www.articlesbase.com/hardware-articles/computer-repair-120835.html

Computer screen freezing is a very common problem that Windows users have to deal with.  Whether you get the windows blue screen or the computer freezes up it can be quite a pain in the neck.  What’s worse is when you are doing something important and lose that information forever.  No one should have to deal with computer freezes on a regular basis.  And luckily you don’t have to.  But before we get into how to fix computer freezing, it is important to know what causes it.

The first and perhaps easiest way to fix computer screen freezing is use less programs at once.  If you are running ten programs at the same time and your computer freezes up, simply run fewer programs or purchase additional RAM.

But for those of you who aren’t running a lot of programs and still ask “why does my computer freeze up?” then the answer is a little more complicated.  The most likely reason your computer freezes is due to errors and corrupt files in the Windows registry. 

The Windows registry is the most important and sensitive area of your computer.  It stores data to run all software and hardware.  Yet the older our computers get the more problems are created in our registries.  In order to keep your computer running fast and error free, you need to clean up registry problems.

Unfortunately there is no internal mechanism to fix the Windows registry.  This is why it is required to install a registry cleaner to do it for you.  Much like bringing a car to the mechanic for a tune up, using a registry cleaner will fix current system problems and provide preventive maintenance against future ones.

There are many different types of registry cleaners out there.  I have found what I consider the best registry cleaner on the market to stop computer screen freezing.  It also has an optimization feature available to speed up your computer significantly.  Try it yourself and scan your computer for free below.

Jim Marshall
http://www.articlesbase.com/computers-articles/computer-screen-freezing-want-to-stop-computer-screen-freezing-745137.html

Having a computer merely never ends by paying and buying them! It requires enough and adequate maintenance and support to keep them execute on par. It is obvious that, not everyone is capable to handle the machine efficiently and observe its fault and repair it. All that you require is best support and right assistance! Failing to give right care will make your computer desolate. NJ Computer Support grants all inclusive support right from minor computer repair to any troublesome networking issues. With right examination and scrutiny, our professionals capably handle the work and fix the issues from its root cause.

Trained professionals at NJ Computer Support grant brilliant service and offer outstanding customer support. Any internet user will easily fall prey to viruses, and it makes your machine sloth. It is typically hard and of course the presence of virus in machine is truly risky! NJ Computer Support assists you better in removing the entire slanderous virus and save your machine from cyber theft. Viruses will suck every piece of essential and particular data’s that is stored in the hard-disk. To avert all these grueling troubles, our professionals completely examine your machine and upgrade it with powerful anti-virus. This keeps your machine safe out from the reach of the influencing viruses and Trojans.

When days pass by, your computer will turn dull due to the insufficient hardware support. To overwhelm this trouble, NJ Computer Support features its customers with hardware upgrade and installation support. Hardware upgrade will certainly ameliorate the performance of the computer and thus results with faster and quicker output. On the other hand, we offer best software installation support that features you with efficient programming and other line of application use. Whether your computer is for domestic or official use, the need to install software is undeniably essential. Without software, it is definitely hard to execute something.

Our support with respect to networking is truly spectacular, as professionals at NJ Computer Support are well-trained and fixes any hard-hitting troubles with better ease. Undoubtedly, your machine might fall short with stringent performance, particularly if it sticks out with back-end or networking troubles. At this case, it is really tedious to work with the computer. Our support professionals will look over the principal cause of such troublesome networking issues and fix them right away. Once when they are fixed, it will never happen again!

The performance of your computer will definitely be disturbed, if it perceives networking inconveniences. Sterile networking installation will make your machine drop down with regards to performance and execution. All these troubles can be overwhelmed with the assistance of our professionals. Whatsoever the trouble might be, you can reach us right away to get the best assistance. Well, are you ready to face the serious consequences of data loss? Cybercrimes are quite usual and this might lead to troublesome data loss. The influence of hackers and cyberpunks will make your machine plain whereby you could never retrieve data’s that you need. To avert all such troubles, avail data backup solutions! Our professionals will offer consistent data backup, whereby you can have a copy of all particular essentials you need. Contact us anytime, any day for best support and assistance.

Jmor
http://www.articlesbase.com/hardware-articles/nj-computer-support-giving-round-the-clock-assistance-702460.html