Abstract: The present invention relates generally to computer operating systems, and more specifically, to operating system calls in a symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) environment. Existing SMP strategies either use a single lock or multiple locks to limit access to critical areas of the operating system to one thread at a time. These strategies suffer from a number of performance problems including slow execution, large software and execution overheads and deadlocking problems. The invention applies a single lock strategy to a micro kernel operating system design which delegates functionality to external processes. The micro kernel has a single critical area, the micro kernel itself, which executes very quickly, while the external processes are protected by proper thread management. As a result, a single lock may be used, overcoming the performance problems of the existing strategies.

Abstract: Computer systems with multiple users will typically store various versions of the same software; different versions being required for different platforms and to maintain compatibility with other software applications. These computer files are generally organized in a hierarchical structure to make their location and access easier, but this still results in a very complicated and inefficient system. The invention provides a custom file system which allows each user, node or system, to identify and manage only the files that are pertinent to it. This custom filesystem provides a custom hierarchical structure of files and folders, and links back to the real file locations in the main file system. The custom file system has priority over the main file system, in that a process manager will attempt to address requests on the custom filesystem before trying to place them on the main filesystem.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to networks of computer systems, and more specifically, to a method and system of distributed operating system over a network of computer systems. Existing distributed operating systems have performance limits due to multiple layers, distinctions between client and server abilities, and inflexible architectures. The invention presents a system and method of distributed operating system with a single level architecture which is just as easily applied to a flexible network environment, including an internet communication link, as to a stand-alone computer. This is done by use of a message passing operating system, and by sending off-node messages to network managers which are capable of directing and receiving the off-node messages.

Abstract: A system for managing the interaction of programs is provided, comprising means for storing a set of predetermined characteristics respecting each program to be managed, each set of characteristics including an input signal type characteristic indicative of the identity of the type of inputs signals to which the program associated with the set of characteristics, is responsive and a signal modification characteristic indicative of whether a type of input signal is to be modified by the associated program; means responsive to input signals having predetermined properties emitted from one of the programs for interrogating each set of predetermined characteristics in a predetermined sequence, determining whether the associated program is responsive to a current input signal, determining whether the properties of the current input signal are to be modified and, if so, modifying the properties of the input signal; and means for emitting an output signal to the programs determined to be responsive to the input sign

Abstract: A system for managing the interaction of programs is provided, comprising means for storing a set of predetermined characteristics respecting each program to be managed, each set of characteristics including an input signal type characteristic indicative of the identity of the type of inputs signals to which the program associated with the set of characteristics is responsive and a signal modification characteristic indicative of whether a type of input signal is to be modified by the associated program; means responsive to input signals having predetermined properties emitted from one of the programs for interrogating each set of predetermined characteristics in a predetermined sequence, determining whether the associated program is responsive to a current input signal, determining whether the properties of the current input signal are to be modified and, if so, modifying the properties of the input signal; and means for emitting an output signal to the programs determined to be responsive to the input signa