Abstract: An account manager plug-in for a Web server having an application programming interface (API). The plug-in is preferably a computer program product comprising a set of instructions (program code) encoded on a computer-readable substrate. This plug-in includes program code for establishing a set of one or more monitored resources (e.g., UrlCounter, ByteCounter, PageCounter and FailedLoginCounter) and for defining a threshold rule for at least one of the set of monitored resources. As Web transactions occur at the Web server, the account manager is responsive to a monitored resource exceeding a condition of a threshold rule for triggering one of a set of threshold actions. The set of threshold actions, for example, include clearing a record counter, running a given program, sending an e-mail note and disabling or enabling a user account.

Abstract: A method of identifying quality-of-service problems associated with a given Web server in a computer network. The Web server includes a Web page having a token declaring that quality-of-service information is to be collected. When the Web page is received at a Web client having the capability to collect the information, an indication is provided to the Web client user that the information is being collected. The collected quality-of-service information is then uploaded, preferably without any information identifying the user, either to the Web server that served the page or to a management server.

Abstract: A method of authenticating a user of a Windows NT client normally configured against an account held at a Windows NT server. The method begins in response to a logon request at the client. In particular, the user is provided with an option to select a server domain from a set of one or more native Windows NT server domains and/or non-native server domains for authentication. The list of native and/or non-native server domains is compiled by an administrator (e.g., during installation) or by the user (at logon). In response to user selection of the server domain, a connection is then established between the Windows NT client and the server domain. The user is then authenticated at the server domain. Following successful authentication of the Windows NT client at the server domain, a Windows NT user account is then established and maintained at the client.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for allocating virtual memory upon demand to reduce the amount of virtual memory allocated. Privilege level transitions requested by a program of instructions invoke a fault handler routine which allocates memory for implementing the transition. Allocation of memory is thus delayed until such request for privilege level transition occurs.

Abstract: A battery powered, back-pack blower comprising a mounting frame, a horizontally mounted impeller oscillated by an electric motor powered by a battery pack. The impeller and motor are positioned on the mounting frame above the battery back to better distribute the weight. The electric motor reduces the level of noise and smoke emissions from blowers using internal combustion engines. A U-bracket serves to horizontally mount the electric motor which allows for greater heat dissipation from the motor and also aids in dismantling the blower.

Abstract: A business form is provided that can be constructed into a two-way mailer. The form contains pre-printed non-varying information. The form user prints variable information on the front face of the form. The form is foldable in a Z-fold about two substantially parallel fold lines. The fold lines divide the form into three generally equally sized sections. Segments of pressure-sensitive adhesive material are disposed on front and rear faces of the form for sealing open outer edges of the form after it has been folded to form a sealed mailer. A recipient of the mailer can open the mailer and construct a return envelope from it. For this purpose, the form includes segments of remoistenable adhesive disposed on the rear face of form to seal open outer edges of the form.

Abstract: A translation gateway for a distributed computing environment including a source computer system and a target computer system, each of which has at least one client, one server and a distributed file system, and wherein the server associated with the source computer system preferably runs on a client of the target computer system. A method for providing authenticated access to files stored in the target distributed file system in response to file requests originating from clients associated with the source distributed file system begins by mapping credentials associated with incoming client requests from the source distributed file system into enhanced credentials containing authentication information associated with an authentication model of the target distributed file system. At least one enhanced credential is then augmented with one or more attributes whose values may be extracted and used in the processing of the filesystem request by the target file system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for demand loading a dynamic link library (DLL) is disclosed. The method includes generating a demand load library for demand loading the DLL and replacing the reference library of the DLL with the demand load library.

Abstract: A microprocessor-based apparatus is provided for determining odor levels in gas streams. The apparatus includes a mixing chamber for mixing gas from a gas supply to be tested with air to form a gas-air mixture. The mixing chamber includes a gas inlet port through which the gas is received, an air intake port through which the air is received, and an outlet port through which the gas-air mixture leaves the mixing chamber. The apparatus includes a flow control valve that can be connected to the gas supply to enable a user to selectively adjust the flow rate of the gas from the gas supply to the apparatus. The apparatus also includes a mass flow sensor positioned between the flow control valve and the gas inlet port of the mixing chamber for measuring the mass flow rate of the gas flowing into the mixing chamber.

Abstract: An application "builder" generates a configuration management application for use in a distributed computing environment having at least one management server and at least one endpoint. The endpoint includes a set of endpoint data to be managed by the application. The application developer begins by creating application prototyping data for the particular management application. The application prototyping data is then imprinted on a "blank" profile object to generate a prototype application comprising a profile object and an associated database whose records contain configuration information to be applied to at least one endpoint object. After the prototype application is generated, control information derived from the prototyping data is passed from the profile object to the endpoint object to read/write the endpoint data to/from the database records and/or to modify the database records in some way.

Abstract: A search interface is provided that is easy to use and understand. A unique visual metaphor in the form of a "highlight" tool is used for this purpose. The highlighting tool is used to identify search terms. In one embodiment, a user uses the tool to mark text on a document, such as an HTML document displayed in a Web browser. Upon selection of this text, and preferably following a time delay, a pop-up menu appears that offers the user the option of searching for this text. After searching and receiving the results, the user can again use the highlighting tool to mark one or more words/terms (or other information, such as a URL) within the results listed.

Abstract: A graphical user interface layout is defined by a resource definition file having a set of resource directives associated therewith. A method of translating the layout to native Java source code begins by identifying each resource file directive associated with the window layout. For each resource file directive, or for each subdirective within a file directive or subdirective, the method generates a stub or "snippet" of Java code. The Java code snippets may be generated by direct code or by using a text-editable file interface, and the snippets are then combined to created a Java source file.

Abstract: A method of enabling persistent access by a Web server to files stored in a distributed file system of a distributed computing environment that includes a security service. A session manager is used to perform a proxy login to the security service on behalf of the Web server. Persistent operation of the session manager is ensured by periodically spawning new instances of the session manager process. Each new instance preferably initializes itself against a binding file. A prior instance of the session manager is maintained in an active state for at least a period of time during which the new instance of the session manager initializes itself. Upon receipt of a given transaction request from a Web client to the Web server, a determination is made regarding whether a new instance of the session manager process has been spawned while the Web server was otherwise idle.

Abstract: A multiprocessor computing system has memory shared by all processors of the computing system and includes an symmetric multiprocessor (SMP) operating system and at least one external device controlled by a device driver. The device driver is typically written to run in a uniprocessor environment. A method for protecting the execution state of the device driver uses a pair of "collaborative" spinlocks, an interrupt time spinlock and a task time spinlock. At task time, prior to calling the device driver, the task time spin lock is acquired by the operating system. The operating system then waits until the interrupt time spinlock is in an "unowned" state before calling the device driver. Upon return from the device driver, the operating system releases the task time spinlock. At interrupt time, prior to calling the device driver's interrupt handler, the interrupt time spinlock is acquired by the operating system. The operating system then determines if the task time spinlock is owned.

Abstract: A method of retrieving Web content from a plurality of Web servers for delivery to a Web client connectable to the World Wide Web via a communication link. The Web client is preferably a data processing system connectable to a television or other conventional monitor to provide low cost Internet access. The method begins by having the user define a set of one or more servers from which content is desired to be retrieved and stored in the cache. These servers are preferably identified by a "list" of favorite Web sites. A test is then made to determine whether a given download period has terminated. Typically, this download period occurs during an "off" period, such as in the middle of the night, to avoid traffic congestion at the Web server sites. If the given download period has not terminated, a determination is then made of an activity level for the communication link as content is being downloaded to the cache from the one or more servers.

Abstract: A widget, a predefined region of a graphical display, and a graphical pointer or cursor are displayed on the display device. A user may define a gravitational widget where traversal rates are not constant on the display. In addition, relationships may be defined which correlates manipulation of the graphical pointing device, the movement of the graphical pointer and a widget. Certain users may be denied access to one or more widgets. When the graphical pointer contacts the border of the widget, the graphical pointer may be denied access to the widget by controlling the graphical pointer. Control of the graphical pointer is accomplished through a defined relationship or action rule.

Abstract: In a vehicle having a foldable passenger seat, there is a storage area underneath the seat. According to the invention, a lockable plate closes up an opening under the seat to thereby inhibit access to the volume of storage space and form a lockable storage enclosure. The plate cooperates with existing underseat components to form the novel underseat enclosure.

Abstract: A vital product data (VPD) detection circuit mountable on a substrate of a pluggable component. The circuit comprises a "parallel read" circuit for generating vital product data associated with the pluggable component, a "serial read" circuit for storing and retrieving vital product data associated with the pluggable component, and means for interconnecting the parallel and serial read circuits. The parallel read circuit preferably comprises a parallel array of transistors surface-mounted on the substrate, and the serial read circuit preferably comprises a serial EEPROM having a clock input, a set of address inputs, and a bidirectional data pin. A VPD detection mechanism may disable the parallel VPD circuitry in favor of the serial VPD detection circuitry, or vice versa, or these circuits may be enabled but activated in a mutually exclusive manner.