Abstract: An operating system provides a common name space for both long filenames and short filenames. In this common namespace, a long filename and a short filename are provided for each file. Each file has a short filename directory entry and may have at least one long filename directory entry associated with it. The number of long filename directory entries that are associated with a file depends on the number of characters in the long filename of the file. The long filename directory entries are configured to minimize compatibility problems with existing installed program bases.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically reclaiming and restoring memory occupied by redundant software components. In a computing environment which permits applications to run in the real-mode as well as the protected-mode, only one set of software components, either real-mode or protected-mode can be active at any one time. Protected-mode applications cooperate with a real-mode applications to remove and reclaim the memory occupied by redundant software components such as device drivers when the protected-mode applications boots. The real-mode software components are restored and replaced in memory when the protected-mode application quits. The memory reclaimed from redundant software components contributes to the maximum amount of memory available for use by both protected-mode applications, and real-mode applications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically reclaiming and restoring memory occupied by redundant software components. In a computing environment which permits applications to run in the real-mode as well as the protected-mode, only one set of software components, either real-mode or protected-mode can be active at any one time. Protected-mode applications cooperate with a real-mode applications to remove and reclaim the memory occupied by redundant software components such as device drivers when the protected-mode applications boots. The real-mode software components are restored and replaced in memory when the protected-mode application quits. The memory reclaimed from redundant software components contributes to the maximum amount of memory available for use by both protected-mode applications, and real-mode applications.

Abstract: A computer program product has a facility for uninstalling itself. The facility is both efficient and dynamic. The facility only backs up a minimal set of files that may be affected by an installation of the computer program product. The facility dynamically adapts to different possible installations so as to only store backup copies for the particular installation that is to be used. The facility leverages a number of installation files to determine what files to back up.

Abstract: A computer program product has a facility for uninstalling itself The facility is both efficient and dynamic. The facility only backs up a minimal set of files that may be affected by an installation of the computer program product. The facility dynamically adapts to different possible installations so as to only store backup copies for the particular installation that is to be used. The facility leverages a number of installation files to determine what files to back up.

Abstract: An operating system provides a common name space for both long filenames and short filenames. In this common namespace, a long filename and a short filename are provided for each file. Each file has a short filename directory entry and may have at least one long filename directory entry associated with it. The number of long filename directory entries that are associated with a file depends on the number of characters in the long filename of the file. The long filename directory entries are configured to minimize compatibility problems with existing installed program bases.

Abstract: An operating system provides a common name space for both long filenames and short filenames. In this common namespace, a long filename and a short filename are provided for each file. Each file has a short filename directory entry and may have at least one long filename directory entry associated with it. The number of long filename directory entries that are associated with a file depends on the number of characters in the long filename of the file. The long filename directory entries are configured to minimize compatibility problems with existing installed program bases.