Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating lookup tables of approximate floating-point quotients which exactly represent the underlying value, within the range of the specified precision. The lookup tables are created without any extraneous data beyond what is needed and also without sacrificing numerical accuracy, and may be creating for any radix.

Abstract: A method for booting a computer. The method includes initiating a timer for a load and boot process. The load and boot process is monitored. Monitoring includes determined whether or not the load and boot process is completed successfully. Upon substantial completion of the load and boot process, the time is deactivated. The computer may be reset or sent into a system management mode of operation if the timer expires prior to completion of the load and boot process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a secure script. Executable commands in the script are hashed, and the hashed values for the commands are encrypted and appended to the script. Before executing the script, a hashed value for each executable command in a script is computed and the encrypted hashed value appended to the script for each executable command in the script is decrypted to obtain a decrypted hashed value for each executable command in the script. The hashed value and the decrypted hashed value for each executable command is compared, and if the values are the same, the command is executed.

Abstract: A method of communication between a first object and a second object is disclosed. A first direct method call is made on an intermediary object from the first object. The first direct method call contains information regarding a location in memory of the intermediary object and a name of the method to be called on the second object. The name of the method to be called on the second object is delivered from the intermediary object to a message queue object. The name of the method to be called on the second object is accessed from the message queue object by the second object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying colored audio/visual programming in black and white is described. The present invention provides a method and apparatus for determining whether a selected audio/visual program is colored. A display device that is used to display the selected audio/visual program is configured, responsive to user input, to display the selected audio/visual program in black and white. In one embodiment, automatic configuration of the display device to display the selected audio/visual program in black and white is user enabled. In one embodiment, the colored audio/visual program has been colorized.

Abstract: A method of chaining interrupt service routines comprises creating a chain handler module and replacing an instruction in an existing interrupt service routine with a branch directed to the chain handler module.