Managing desktop settings using shared and separate modes

摘要

A method for managing a desktop setting comprises: maintaining, on a server 1111, a container 1120 for storing setting data and a configuration file for storing mode data, where the container comprises a shared portion and an isolated portion; synchronising 1500 the container and configuration file between the server and a client 1115; determining whether a setting is in a shared mode or a separate mode using the mode data; and managing the setting in accordance with the determined mode. Synchronisation may be performed at logoff 1590 and/or logon 1550. The use of a shared portion to store setting data optimises capacity/space usage in the container by not duplicating data. Setting data may be translated for use in different client operating system environments, allowing user preferences to be maintained in a single container.