Abstract: A computer network includes a plurality of computer nodes each including a file system and a central processing unit usable by other computer nodes and which are connected to each other via a communication medium. Each respective computer node has a capability of issuing a transfer request requesting management information, including user log-in information, active process information, and so forth, to another computer node over the communication medium. The computer node receiving the transfer request collects its own management information and transfers it to the computer node which issued the transfer request through the communication medium.

Abstract: When a request to access a file or the like is made, a characteristic measuring unit measures the physical characteristic of a user of a computer system. A data degenerating unit processes the measured physical characteristic as degenerated characteristic data like a one-dimensional projection and outputs the degenerated characteristic data to the computer system. The computer system sends this characteristic data to an identification server via a communication network. The identification server performs an identification process in accordance with characteristic data preregistered in a file system. In accordance with the identification result, it is determined whether or not to approve the access authorization by the user and the permission or rejection of the access is sent back to the computer system via the communication network.

Abstract: Each computer system of the computer network according to the present invention has a management information storage portion for storing information with respect to an access authority in accordance with an owner ID and a conversion rule storage portion for storing a rule for converting the formats of a user ID and an access authority. Each computer system adds a machine ID to a user ID and sends the resultant ID to another computer system when a remote access request is issued. In addition, the computer system determines whether or not the formats of the user ID and the access authority being received accord with those of a local computer system when a remote access is accepted. The computer system converts the formats of the user ID and the access authority being received into those of the local computer system in accordance with a predetermined conversion rule when the formats of the local computer system are not matched with those on the remote computer system.