Abstract: A method and system server software architecture incorporates a series of software interfaces which allows porting and running of the particular ported software used for managing server components to operate in conjunction with other network operating systems/hardware platforms in addition to allowing for expanding the types of instrumentation components used on such systems which are uniquely constructed for managing newly attached server devices or functions with minimal additional programming effort.

Abstract: A remote service facility (RSF) unit is integrated into the operating system of the host system being supported. The RSF unit utilizes a standard generic menu interface system (GMIS) unit through which a user can enter different types of commands which results in the display of a number of menu sequences for configuring how the different independently controllable components of the RSF unit will operate in performing remote support functions. The components include a problem detection and reaction component, a system action component and a callback component, each of which operatively couple to the GMIS unit. The components are integrated in a predetermined manner so that collectively, they carry out remote support according to the way in which they were configured.

Abstract: A controller for controlling a large number of terminals and workstations semantically interprets entering character sequences with little load on its computing power by means of dispatching under the control of a hierarchical arrangement of lookup tables, wherein one possible action that may be dispatched to is the selection of another table in the hierarchy. Characters may thus be interpreted in the context of the characters that have preceded them. Another possible action is to switch to a memory search mode of interpretation, eliminating the need to provide lookup tables for infrequently occurring sequences.

Abstract: In a data processing system having a plurality of remote terminals, possibly of several kinds, connected by a plurality of communications media, also possibly of several kinds, from which terminals users may run a plurality of application programs in the central processing unit (CPU) of the data processing system, the CPU is provided with a network terminal driver for regulating transmissions between the various application programs and the various types of terminals over the various types of communications media. Means are provided for specifying the characteristics of the various types of application programs, terminals, and communications media, and the network terminal drive is responsive to those means.

Abstract: Direct connect devices such as cathode ray tube displays are coupled to a communications controller through a long cable and a flexible line adapter package. Apparatus in the controller generates a clocking signal which is applied to a Universal Synchronous Receiver Transmitter (USRT) and to the direct connect device. The USRT receives data from a microprocessor and transmits a stream of data signals synchronized to the clocking signal. The data signals and the clocking signals are received by the direct connect device. The clocking signals strobe the data signals approximately in the center of a data pulse since transmission delays for the data signals and the clocking signals are approximately equal.

Abstract: A communications subsystem having a microprocessor coupled to an address bus and a data bus includes a latching register also coupled to the address bus and the data bus. The latching register is responsive to signals from the data bus and address bus for storing bits representative of a direct connect mode, a clear to send mode, and a bit oriented or byte control protocol mode.