Abstract: Discloses is a method of selective activation of server applications in a computer network system. The computer network system includes a server computer, a plurality of client computers, a set of server applications loaded on the server computer, and a given protocol stack for managing activation of the server applications. The method comprises the steps of a system administrator defining a plurality of states for the network system and specifying conditions to determine whether or not each of the server applications can be activated in each of said states. The given protocol stack then manages activation of the server applications in accordance with said specified conditions.

Abstract: When running network applications, resources are made available in a system having resource constraints. While messages are being received, a method adjusts the priorities of incoming messages, avoiding driving the system out of resources. In some environments, it is desirable for some important applications to continue to process data from the network. Often, the system is waiting for a response or acknowledgement from a remote application. This can result in a deadlock or shutdown condition. A method provides the ability to classify inbound messages as high priority messages and process the high priority messages at all times. A server is updated to poll the network, even when it is in shutdown mode.

Abstract: An operating system allows assignment of an input message priority to a particular socket. This priority is used by the operating system to determine what socket's inbound packets get discarded when the server resources are constrained. Sockets of a lower priority than another will have its inbound packets discarded before higher priority sockets. This allows an application to give selected sockets higher inbound message priority over other sockets.