Personalized software installation method for computer manufacturers

#The present invention generally relates to the field of installation instruction, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for providing a customized installation procedure to a customer regarding the installation of a build to order system.

#Consumers tend to desire multiple and unique applications from their respective computing systems. For example, a first consumer may desire a computer system equipped to handle digital photography while a second consumer is interested in the retrieval, storage, and playback of audio files. When a consumer purchases a new computer, they may desire that the new computer is equipped to provide complete solutions that are specific to their needs. These solutions often include hardware and software components. Original equipment manufacturers generally try to reduce costs by opting not to pre-install or configure specialized components at the factory. These components are often packaged with a personal computer as separate products.

#Printed instructions included with the purchased system may help consumers in the basic installation procedures of a personal computer. However, printed instructions do not provide instruction regarding the installation and configuration to meet the a consumer's specific needs. Thus, a method of providing instruction regarding the complete installation of a build to order system is lacking. Consequently, an apparatus and method for providing an installation procedure to a customer regarding the installation of a build to order system is necessary.

#The numerous advantages of the present invention may be better understood by those skilled in the art by reference to the accompanying figures in which:

#FIG. 1 is an embodiment of a method of the present invention to produce customized instructions;

#FIG. 2 is a an embodiment depicting exemplary factors that may be considered during the assembly of a customized installation procedure;

#Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

#Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a method 100 of the present invention to produce customized instructions is shown. In one embodiment of the invention, method 100 may be employed to provide a user with a customized set of instructions for installation and configuration of a build to order system, such as a build to order computer system. Method 100 may begin upon the receipt of a user profile 110. A user profile may include a user's name, sex, age, and other personal characteristics including a shipping address. Each user may desire a computer system which provides solutions specific to each user's needs, thus a build to order system may include different and unique components, software, and hardware. When a purchase has been completed, an order that specifies the components, software, hardware and peripherals of a user's build to order system is reviewed by a manufacturer, such as an original equipment manufacturer 120. In one embodiment of the invention, an original equipment manufacturer produces an installation procedure based upon a user profile and a received order to provide customized installation instructions for each user 130. The installation procedure may be a visual presentation that includes diagrams, charts, pictures, and animated features. This is highly advantageous as it may allow a user to correctly install and configure his or her computer system in an easier and less confusing fashion.

#Referring now to FIG. 2, an embodiment depicting exemplary factors 200 that may be considered during the assembly of a customized installation procedure 205 is shown. In one embodiment of the invention, a user profile 210 may include the user's name, age, and sex. For example, a customized installation procedure 205 may include larger type font for older users and different musical backgrounds based upon age. A presentation format 220 may include a user's self-proclaimed technical ability and desired presentation characteristics. For example, a person familiar with computers may require less instruction than a first-time user. Also, presentation characteristics may include desired features such as charts, pictures, animated features and the like. An order 230 may include a list of the software, hardware, peripherals, and the like that have been included in the purchase of a build to order computer system. This is advantageous as a user may only receive instruction regarding the installation and configuration that is applicable to their build to order computer system.