Abstract: In the method of the present invention, an anti-virus scan of a file is performed in real time. A thread manager (101) detects (202) that an activity concerning a file has been initiated by a first thread. Responsive to the detection, the thread manager (101) determines (204) that a scan of the file should be conducted. The thread manager (101) initiates (206) the scan of the file by a second thread, thereby enabling the first thread to complete the activity concerning the file and to perform other tasks while the scan occurs. The thread manager (101) blocks (212) access to the file while the scan occurs.

Abstract: A debug network on a multiprocessor array includes communication channels, a master controller, and one or more individual debug units in communication with one or more of the processors. The master controller soilcits information from the debug units by sending messages along the communication channels. The debug units can control some aspects of the processors, and can simply report on other aspects. By using commands to invoke processor action, then accessing the result, interactive debugging of a multiprocessor array is possible.

Abstract: A debug network on a multiprocessor array having multiple clock domains includes a backbone communication channel which communicates with information nodes on the channel. The information nodes store and access information about an attached processor. The nodes are also coupled to registers within the attached processor, which operate at the speed of the processor. A master controller solicits information from the information nodes by sending messages along the backbone. If a message requires interaction with a processor register, the node performs the action by synchronizing to the local processor clock.

Abstract: A virus scanner is provided in which a pool of pre-processor threads and a queue are interposed between the event filter and the pool of scanner threads. The pre-processor threads perform operations that can be completed quickly to determine whether an object of a scan request needs to be scanned. The pre-processor threads gather characteristics about the scan requests and place them in the queue in a priority order based on those characteristics. The scanner threads select a scan request from the queue based on the priority order. Alternatively, the scan request is selected based on the scan request's characteristics as compared to the characteristics of the scan requests whose objects are currently being scanned by other scanner threads in the pool.

Abstract: The invention provides for on-access scanning of archives, such as “ZIP” files, for files containing viruses or other unwanted characteristics. In particular, disclosed are various techniques for beginning a scanning operation, and then monitoring the scanning operation to determine whether it is completing in a reasonable time. If the scanning operation is taking place within a terminal server type of environment, such as the Microsoft Terminal Server, where an application program is run in a virtual execution environment, then provision is made to identify client connections to the server so that error messages (such as denying file access due to a virus) can be presented to a terminal server client's terminal, rather than at the terminal server console.

Abstract: A case 1 of conventional appearance, fastened by adhesive tape around its parting line and having a carrying handle 2 can be opened, emptied of contents including a number of like lengths of wood 3 (for example) capable of being assembled into a single support post, and folded inside-out to show a pre-printed advertising sign 21 of professional appearance for support by the post to facilitate sale of a house by the owner-occupier. Other useful adjuncts to such a fabrication (such as adhesive, wire, gloves, adhesive tape, nuts and bolts) or for such a transaction (booklets, leaflets, stickers, labels, check-lists) can also be incorporated in the kit. In a variant, not shown, the post sections are grooved at the ends, and the topmost is grooved along one face, so that (a) the end grooves jointly and the face groove individually trap inwardly turned margins around the case of (b) the face groove traps an outwardly turned margin along one edge of the supported sign.