Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for efficiently using existing cache memory in a virtual memory computer system for servicing different demands for such memory. Moreover, the method and apparatus of the present invention, provides a way for authenticating untrusted virtual memory managers (VMMs) and untrusted pagers, which use and supply such caching services. The method and apparatus for authenticating the VMM and pagers can be practiced in an object oriented programming environment or in a non-object oriented environment.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for positioning an integrated circuit chip to be tested on a device-under-test ("DUT") interface board without using a hold-down plate and for attaching this interface board to a feed-through interface module so that the device being tested makes abutting contact with the feed-through interface module and so that the contact pins of the device being tested make abutting electrical contact with contact pin sockets on the DUT interface board. This arrangement provides a path for heat and ion dissipation from the chip being tested in a simple and elegant manner which also minimizes potential damage to the chip.

Abstract: In a distributed computing environment, an apparatus and method for a federated Naming System which can resolve Composite Names comprised of Names from an arbitrary number of disparate Naming Systems. A syntax for Composite Names is defined as well as necessary operations to directly resolve such Composite Names without the need for customized agents or gateways.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for converting a non-English language document text or search and retrieval argument into a form which can be processed by an existing ASCII based automated text processing system, even though the non-English language may have thousands of characters in it, thereby allowing the use of existing text processing systems and existing text data bases without the need to convert these text processing systems to handle multi-byte character languages.

Abstract: In a computer system having a hierarchical file structure, a file system is provided which permits users of the system to share a file hierarchy and also have a private hierarchy in which files are automatically copied to as they are modified. Through the system of the present invention, a directory appears to the user as a single directory but may actually comprise files originating from a number of directories which are connected to one another through search links. Each directory has a search link associated with it which contains the path name of the back layer or directory behind it. The first layer seen through the system of the present invention is the front layer, private to the user. The back layers behind the front layer and connected to the front layer through the search links are shared layers accessible to multiple users. Thus transparent to the user of the directory accessible comprises multiple layers comprising shared and private files.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for client programs adapted for use in an object oriented, distributed computing system, to have the ability to communicate and use references to objects in a way which improves the benefits of software caching are disclosed. A mechanism is described whereby a network object handle (an augmented object handle) can be used to reference both a server and a local cache manager. When the augmented object handle is transmitted it is automatically updated to use a local cache manager in its target environment (i.e. on the same machine on which the receiving client program resides) if possible.