Abstract: A system and method for loading software identifies versions of software modules to be loaded. The version identification allows a loader to request, access and load any level or version of a program that the application interacts with. Thus, the loader selects only specific versions of software that are known to be compatible with other software currently loaded or being loaded. The software includes specific compatibility information that is used to determine whether it should be selected or passed over for another version of the same software. In this manner, a “version aware” loader ensures that loaded software modules are compatible with one another and will therefore execute properly. The version aware loader may be implemented in an operating system or other loading software running on a personal computer or network router.

Abstract: A system and method for determining complexity of a computer subroutine having a plurality of statements, during development of the subroutine is disclosed. The method includes analyzing the plurality of statements and computing a complexity factor for a completed portion of the subroutine. The steps of analyzing the subroutine and computing a complexity factor are repeated following input of another statement into the subroutine. A system for determining complexity of a subroutine comprises an analyzer operable to analyze the statements and compute a complexity factor following the input of one of the plurality of statements.

Abstract: An option request protocol allows dynamic negotiation of options between a host computer and a control unit of a computer network. The protocol is manifested as an exchange of novel control messages over a control link used to establish logical data links for communication between the host and control unit. The options negotiated by the control message exchange generally pertain to additional functions performed by the control unit or host, or additional parameters for communication over the data links coupling the control unit and host.

Abstract: A system and method for loading software identifies versions of software modules to be loaded. The version identification allows a loader to request, access and load any level or version of a program that the application interacts with. Thus, the loader selects only specific versions of software that are known to be compatible with other software currently loaded or being loaded. The software includes specific compatibility information that is used to determine whether it should be selected or passed over for another version of the same software. In this manner, a “version aware” loader ensures that loaded software modules are compatible with one another and will therefore execute properly. The version aware loader may be implemented in an operating system or other loading software running on a personal computer or network router.

Abstract: A method and system is provided where a first computer (e.g., a central server) collects information to be presented to one or more users. The information is organized into a plurality of first web-sites where each of these web-sites is addressable by a unique Universal Resource Locator (URL). A physical location is associated with each of the first web-sites. One of the first web-sites may be provided to a user as a user web-site. When the user or other individual seeks to access the user web-site, links to a plurality of the first web-sites are provided based on a relationship between the physical locations associated with the first web-sites and the physical location associated with the user web-site.

Abstract: A system and method for claiming a user-specific website associated to a user's telephone number is disclosed. The present invention provides for user identity verification through telephone number detection. The user-specific website requested is associated to the telephone number of the requesting user. This prevents the potential for anonymity, which is found in present methods. Potential users must “authenticate” that they have access to the phone number of the website that they are attempting to claim. Website claiming can be done by first requesting a user-specific website online and then accessing the system's telephone service for phone number verification. In the alternative, website claiming can be performed by first calling the system phone number for phone verification, followed by online website claim completion.

Abstract: A method for type-checking format arguments during compile time which uses data in an external file. Data from the external file is converted into a generated source file suitable for “inclusion” in a program source file, which is the subject of compilation. The generated source file is compiled together with the program source file and performs, among other things, type-checking of format arguments contained within the program source file and the generated source file.

Abstract: A technique allows dynamic negotiation of application names executing on nodes of a computer network for creating a data link for communication between the nodes. Dynamic negotiation is effected through an exchange of novel control messages over a control link used to establish application-application logical links between the nodes. The control messages instruct the nodes to create applications having names specified within predetermined fields of the messages. The technique obviates the need for a system administrator to issue configuration commands to a responding node to statically configure that latter node for communication over a network.

Abstract: An option request protocol allows dynamic negotiation of options between a host computer and a control unit of a computer network. The protocol is manifested as an exchange of novel control messages over a control link used to establish logical data links for communication between the host and control unit. The options negotiated by the control message exchange generally pertain to additional functions performed by the control unit or host, or additional parameters for communication over the data links coupling the control unit and host.

Abstract: A technique enables a control unit to perform checksum operations for packets, which operations are otherwise performed by a host computer of a computer network. The technique involves the use of two data links coupled between the host and control unit; one data link is used for exchanging "normal" IP packets without checksum operations performed thereon by the control unit and the other link is used for exchanging IP packets that have undergone or will undergo checksum operations by the control unit. By "offloading" checksum operations to the control unit, the technique reduces processor cycles consumed by the host, thereby improving the performance of the host computer and network.