Sync-time read only memory image binding for limited resource devices

Abstract

A method and system for installing an application or a set of applications on a client device, such as a portable (or palmtop) computer system. The application(s) to be installed are identified. The host device has stored therein an operating system comprising a plurality of software routines. A subset of the operating system is generated. In one embodiment, the subset comprises those software routines needed to support the applications installed on the client device. In another embodiment, the subset comprises those software routines that, in combination with software routines used by the operating system on the client device, supports the applications installed on the client device. The application(s) and the subset are installed on the client computer system. Thus, the operating system of the client computer system contains only those software routines needed to support the installed applications, thereby efficiently using memory resources in the client computer system.

1 . A method for installing an application on a client device, said method comprising the steps of:
 a) identifying said application on a host device, said host device having a first operating system stored therein and comprising a plurality of software routines;   b) generating a subset of said first operating system, said subset comprising software routines that in combination with software routines used by a second operating system on said client device allow said application to be used on said client device; and   c) installing on said client device said application and said subset of said first operating system.