Abstract: A synchronous interrupt handler for a processing system executing multiple modes of operation employs a minimum number of lines of interrupt handler code written to execute at the "zeroth" level, is combined with a virtualized interrupt vector table. An identical zeroeth level handler is inserted at each of the processor's interrupt vector entry pints. These short code sequences are the first to gain control following an interrupt. They are handwritten in the platform's native instruction set to be mode-independent. For example, if the platform's processor does not alter the "endianness" of the machine state following an interrupt, the "zeroeth level" code must be written for endian neutrality; likewise, for 32/64-bit mode, etc. For each mode of operation, there is created a Virtualized Vector Table to represent the proper interrupt handlers for each physical interrupt level. Each task data structure, implicitly reflecting its unique mode of operation, contains a pointer to its virtualized vector table.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, apparatus, memory embodying computer-readable code for installing software stored on a second machine to a first machine in a distributed computing network is provided. The first machine includes at least a display, processor, and user controls. The method includes the steps of displaying available, installable source objects of a second machine embodying software that is installable on a first machine, displaying software bundle objects having software items, wherein at least one software item is in common with one of the software items in the selected source object in response to a selection by user controls of at least one source object, and installing on the first machine an intersection of the first software items and the second software items.

Abstract: A method of recovering gallium from sodium aluminate solutions comprises extracting gallium from aluminate solution by electrolysing the solution with a current density of at least 0.002 A/cm.sup.2 and a cathodic potential relative to a saturated calomel electrode of at least 1.5 volts, using an anode made from a metal which does not produce undesirable impurities in the aluminate liquor under the conditions of electrolysis and a solid cathode made of a metal into which gallium diffuses, while maintaining the temperature of the aluminate solution in the range 25.degree.to 80.degree.C until the gallium has diffused into the cathode to give a gallium content in the surface layers of at least 0.10%. The cathode metal is preferably tin, lead, indium, zinc and alloys of tin and lead. The preferred current density range is 0.005 to 0.05 A/cm.sup.2 while the preferred temperature range is 35.degree.to 65.degree.C. The gallium is subsequently separated from the cathode metal.