Abstract: A method for deciding a network manager (NM) in a home network, including the steps of comparing a priority of a current NM and a priority of a new NM when the new NM is plugged-in a home network which is controlled by the current NM and deciding a NM having a higher priority as the NM of the home network between the current NM and the new NM, can smoothly control and manage the home network by deciding a NM having a higher priority as the NM for centralized-controlling the home network.

Abstract: To lower risks of overhead on management of an access log and of a loss of the access log due to a default and to prevent deterioration in service providing performance caused by access concentration to a specific Web server in an access relaying apparatus including a plurality of proxy servers. An access relaying apparatus has a plurality of proxy servers 23, an administration server 24 for statistic processing, and a shared disk 25 accessible from them. Each of the proxy servers outputs an access log to the shared disk, and the administration server reads the access logs from the shared disk and performs statistic processing. An access limit to a specific Web server is determined based on a result of the statistic processing, it is notified to each of the proxy servers, and a number of accesses to the Web server is controlled.

Abstract: Remote site connections are screened based on assessments performed by members of a trust community. Data based on a plurality of end-user assessments of particular remote sites are received at a server from a plurality of end-users. Each end-user is associated with a specific client machine which is in communication with the server. The server generates assessment scores based on the data. Each of the assessment scores may be a ratio of end-users. The server transmits the assessment scores to the client machines. The client machine selectively takes protective action against ones of the particular remote sites that have an undesirable assessment score generated by the server. The protective action may be determined by comparing the assessment score against an individually specified end-user rule, wherein at least two client machines have different rules.

Abstract: A method is presented for correlating related transactions, such as a parent transaction that invokes a child transaction within a distributed data processing system, using a particular format for the correlation tokens. Each transaction is associated with a correlation token containing a hierarchical, three-layer identifier that includes a local transaction identifier and a local system identifier, which are associated with the local system of the child transaction, along with a root transaction identifier, a root system identifier, and a registry identifier. The local transaction identifier is unique within the local system, and the local system identifier is unique within a registry that contains a set of system identifiers. The registry is associated with a domain in which the local systems operate, and multiple domains exist within a transaction space of entities that use these correlation tokens. Correlation token pairs are analyzed to construct a call graph of related transactions.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for registering a plug-in with a media player and for dynamically loading the plug-in into the media player. When a plug-in is installed for use in the media player, it calls a registration function of the media player. The registration function specifies registration parameters to be provided by the plug-in. The registration function receives the registration parameters passed from the plug-in and stores them in a registry of the operating system in a specified format in the registry that enables the media player to recognize and load the plug-in if called to do so. The media player dynamically loads plug-ins in a manner that provides a seamless media presentation experience for a user.

Abstract: In an accounting system, an user 1, by the use of a terminal 2, transmits a transmission packet P1 to a reception destination 3, that is a server of an information service provider, and receives a reception packet P2 therefrom by way of a packet communication network 4. The accounting apparatus 6 receives numbers of transmitted and received packets 51 from an exchange 5 and also receives the accounting amendment information 71 from the accounting amendment apparatus 7 at an adequate timing. The accounting apparatus 6 thereby decides the account fees for the user 1 of the terminal 2 and for the reception destination 3, respectively. In other words, the information service provider is charged with a part of the numbers of transmitted and received packets 51.

Abstract: A cluster computing system includes an active system and a standby system connected via wire networks. The active system and the standby system each has a wireless communications apparatus, such that when all of the wire networks connecting the active system with the standby system are disconnected, the wireless communications apparatus of the active system reports the standby system of the failure of the active system using its wireless communications capability with the wireless communications apparatus of the standby system. The report includes the verification ID of the active system, and the standby system begins operation upon receiving a packet containing the verification ID.

Abstract: Handshaking is performed between a first host system and a second host system. First handshaking is performed between a host module within the first host system and a first transceiver within the first host system. The first handshaking includes passing from the first transceiver to the host module dummy information about the second host system. Second handshaking is performed between a second transceiver within the second host system and the first transceiver. The second handshaking includes obtaining, by the first transceiver from the second transceiver, first information about the second host system. Handshaking between the host module and the first transceiver is restarted. This includes passing from the first transceiver to the host module the first information about the second host system. The first information replaces the dummy information passed from the first transceiver to the host module during the first handshaking.

Abstract: A condition on a client that is communicating with a server is determined by issuing a challenge to the client, causing the client to produce a response indicative of the condition. The server compares the response to an expected response to determine if the condition is as expected, and if not, takes appropriate action, such as terminating the connection with the client. The challenge preferably includes parameters and a code segment that causes the client to produce the response by executing the code segment. The code segment could perform a one-way hashing algorithm of a portion of memory indicated in the parameters. The server can thus determine if the client is using a modified basic input output system, modified software, pirated software, or whether other conditions exist on the client. The challenge can be changed to prevent the client from returning a false, predetermined response to the challenge.

Abstract: Testing information for testing a distributed application is included in messages that are also used by the distributed application to transport data. A test initiator causes test information to be inserted in the header portion or a header element of a message that is being transported across a distributed system. The test initiator may insert test information directly or may cause a message router that receives the message to merge test information into the message. The message, which now includes distributed application data and test information, is routed to a message recipient. The message recipient accesses the message to identify tests that are to be performed at the message recipient. The message recipient performs at least one of the identified tests. Inserting and routing test information, as well as, performing tests may be done in a transport-independent manner.