Patent attributes
A user provides signature attributes to a computer system for generating a signature, such as content directories, a signature accuracy level, and whether an existing signature database exists. The computer system generates a signature and the user tests the signature against a test file system. Based on the test results, the user may refine the signature using a different file system or a different content installation. In one embodiment, a user may generate a parent signature from existing “child” signatures that correspond to different versions of particular content. For example, a user may wish to generate a “Program” parent signature using children signatures “program v.0,” “program v.1,” and “program v.2.” When the user is satisfied with the signature, the user may use the signature to detect content that is located in a computer device's file system.