Abstract: Within a computer cluster usage reference counts are maintained for replicated databases within a computer cluster using cluster membership and cluster voting services. Such a method includes the maintaining of a local reference count for all open distributed data resources within a given node, tracking by a group services client of those nodes that have the open distributed data resources, and using cluster membership services to update the local reference counts for node failures.

Abstract: In a personal communications device having a touch sensitive display screen, text may be marked by a user to be used with different applications. In particular, to begin marking, a user has to maintain his touch at a location on the screen for a short predetermined period of time until the system detects that the position is held over the same character for a delayed period, at which time the system beeps to provide an indication that there has been a change of operation mode. The marking mode continues in operation until the user removes his contact from the touch screen. Thus, text over which the contact point passes after the initiation of the marking mode is marked, until the user removes his contact point from the touch screen. A second beep is sounded to alert the user of the termination of the marking mode, and the appearance of a menu of operations on the screen. The menu of operations echoes the marked text for user confirmation.

Abstract: A field programming tool for a personal communications device, provides an automatic, capability to update computer programs stored in the device. The personal communications device includes an electrically programmable read only memory (EPROM), that stores the operating system programs and the applications programs to be loaded into a random access memory (RAM) for executed by a central processing unit (CPU) in the device. A reprogramming card is provided for the device, containing pre-stored new programs that are to be loaded into the EPROM of the device. A method is provided for automatically loading the new programs from the reprogramming card into the EPROM, in an accurate, foolproof manner. This is accomplished using a sequencing program stored on the reprogramming card and loaded into the RAM of the device, where it is executed. An option attach connector alerts the device that the reprogramming card is connected to the PCMCIA slot of the device.