Abstract: A method for generating a file object identifier. A computer allocates memory to store the identifier. The disk volume holding the file object, the disk block holding the file object, and the value of the offset within the disk block holding the file object are stored in the allocated memory. In one embodiment, the file object is a file, a directory, or a symbolic link. In another embodiment, the memory allocated is 32 bits. In yet another embodiment, the disk volume value is a 4-bit value. In still another embodiment, the disk block value is a 23-bit value. In another embodiment, the block offset value is a 5-bit value. In another embodiment, the offset within the disk block is a multiple of 128 byte increments. In one embodiment, the generated file object identifier is a PORTABLE OPERATING SYSTEM INTERFACE (POSIX) file serial number.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing improved disk caching in a programmed computer. Improved disk caching is achieved through apparatus and methods that permit the designation of files or types of files as memory-resident, transient, or normal (i.e., neither memory-resident or transient). The disk blocks associated with a memory-resident file are loaded immediately into cache memory in whole or in part, or are loaded on a block-by-block basis as they are accessed. The blocks of a memory-resident file remain in cache until the file is designated not memory resident, whereupon the blocks become purgeable, or until cache size limits force the removal of blocks from the cache. The blocks are purged immediately in whole or in part, or displaced gradually as blocks from other memory-resident files displace them. The blocks of a transient file are maintained in cache for a shorter duration before removal, freeing resources to cache other blocks.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing improved disk caching in a programmed computer. Improved disk caching is achieved through apparatus and methods that permit the designation of files or types of files as memory-resident, transient, or normal (i.e., neither memory-resident or transient). The disk blocks associated with a memory-resident file are loaded immediately into cache memory in whole or in part, or are loaded on a block-by-block basis as they are accessed. The blocks of a memory-resident file remain in cache until the file is designated not memory resident, whereupon the blocks become purgeable, or until cache size limits force the removal of blocks from the cache. The blocks are purged immediately in whole or in part, or displaced gradually as blocks from other memory-resident files displace them. The blocks of a transient file are maintained in cache for a shorter duration before removal, freeing resources to cache other blocks.

Abstract: A method for generating a file object identifier. A computer allocates memory to store the identifier. The disk volume holding the file object, the disk block holding the file object, and the value of the offset within the disk block holding the file object are stored in the allocated memory. In one embodiment, the file object is a file, a directory, or a symbolic link. In another embodiment, the memory allocated is 32 bits. In yet another embodiment, the disk volume value is a 4-bit value. In still another embodiment, the disk block value is a 23-bit value. In another embodiment, the block offset value is a 5-bit value. In another embodiment, the offset within the disk block is a multiple of 128 byte increments. In one embodiment, the generated file object identifier is a PORTABLE OPERATING SYSTEM INTERFACE (POSIX) file serial number.