Abstract: A method and apparatus for extensible inter-application link management is disclosed. The apparatus is independent of the applications that manipulates the anchors linked by the links being managed. Anchors linked may reside on the same or different computers on a network. Links managed comprise navigation links and include links. Links managed may be further extended with application defined links. Application defined links may or may not require support by additional application provided link maker programs. Application defined links may inherit linking operations managed from the navigation link, include link and other existing application defined links with or without override.

Abstract: A method of communication between a device driver and a system kernel uses a standardized generic data structure which facilitates communication of numeric limitations as well as flags. In addition, device-specific extensions may be added to the data structure to permit communication of new types of information concerning devices without sacrificing standardization. Device drivers store device capability information in the data structures during system startup, and the system kernel reads the information prior to performing an I/O request.

Abstract: A computer network management software agent which includes the ability for users to add new user defined management objects. A user editable text file defines object identifications, object types, and the path and name of associated executable software. A user can then invoke user defined executable software at a managed node by sending a network command and a user defined associated object identifier to the agent in the managed node. Data can be sent between a user and user defined executable software. A timeout feature generates an error if commands are not completed within a user defined time.