Operating system optimization to permit use of a first unit with a second unit to extend the functionality of the first

An information processing system including a first electronic device having a standard input/output unit and being for executing processing independently, and a second electronic device having a standard input/output unit which, when said first electronic device has been connected to said second electronic device, takes the place of the standard input/output unit of said first electronic device, said system comprising:

• search means for searching resources of said first and second electronic devices;
• display means for displaying a list of operating systems executable by first and second devices in accordance with a search result obtained by said search means;
• selecting means for selecting one of the displayed operating systems on the basis of designation by a user;
• and
• start-up means for starting up the operating system selected by selecting means.

An electronic apparatus for executing processing independently and having a standard input/output unit and an interface for connecting the electronic apparatus to an electronic device having a standard input/output unit which, when said the electronic apparatus has been connected to said electronic device, takes the place of the standard input/output unit of said electronic apparatus, said electronic apparatus comprising:

• search means for searching for bootable storage devices in said apparatus and the electronic device;
• means for commanding the electronic device to display a list of bootable operating systems in accordance with a search result obtained by said search means;
• selecting means for selecting one of the displayed operating systems on the basis of designation by a user;
• and
• start-up means for starting up the operating system selected by said selecting means.

An electronic apparatus for executing processing independently and having a standard input/output unit and an interface for connecting the electronic apparatus to an electronic device having a standard input/output unit which, when said electronic apparatus has been connected to said electronic device, takes the place of the standard input/output unit of the electronic apparatus, said electronic apparatus comprising:

• search means for searching resources of said electronic apparatus and said electronic device;
• means for commanding the electronic device to display a list of operating systems executable by said electronic apparatus and said electronic device in accordance with a search result obtained by said search means;
• selecting means for selecting one of the displayed operating systems on the basis of designation by a user;
• and
• start-up means for starting up the operating system selected by said selecting means.