Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing data communications over the existing telephone network without burdening the public switched telephone network (PSTN) switch with data communications traffic. In one embodiment, a novel modem is coupled to both ends of the twisted pair telephone wire which runs between a remote location and the Central Office (CO) or the remote CO. An off-hook detector is also connected to the twisted pair line in order to enable detection of when normal telephony functions are being performed over the twisted pair line. The modems of the present invention are capable of transmitting data whenever normal telephony functions are not being performed, such as for example when the telephone line is on-hook. The data transmission in accordance with the teachings of the present invention uses sufficiently low current levels such that the PSTN switch located at the CO does not detect any activity on the twisted pair line.

Abstract: In a computer system equipped with a magneto-optical disk drive having high data density, and therefore lengthy format times, and also requiring an erase step before each write operation, a system and method for decreasing user waiting time is provided. The system and method format the disk on a continuous basis during "disk-idle" periods rather than all at once. The system and method also erase disk portion belonging to deleted data in advance during disk-idle periods, so they are ready for the next write operation.

Abstract: In a computer system equipped with a magneto-optical disk drive having high data density, and therefore lengthy format times, and also requiring an erase step before each write operation, a system and method for decreasing user waiting time is provided. The system and method format the disk on a continuous basis during "disk-idle" periods rather than all at once. The system and method also erase disk portions belonging to deleted data in advance during disk-idle periods, so they are ready for the next write operation.