Abstract: The system for selectively blocking execution of applications on a computer system includes an interface that allows an administrator to set configuration settings and which includes tools that assist the administrator in establishing an application list. The application list specifies zero or more applications that are to be either blocked or that are to be allowed to run (i.e., all others to be blocked), depending on the selected configuration settings. The tools include a mechanism that automatically creates a historical database of applications that have been executed in the past on the computer system. The interface allows easy selection of applications from the historical database for inclusion on the application list.

Abstract: A system for managing computers in a distributed computer network includes a collection agent for each computer being monitored, a local database coupled to each collection agent, one or more condensing agents coupled to the databases, and at least one console module. The condensing agent generates an index table from a source database and sends it upstream to the next level up in the hierarchy of databases. Other condensing agents may in turn act on this index table and send it up to a still further level, until a top-level master node has an index table reflecting the entire network. The console can use the index table to identify what databases contain needed data, and then make only selective connections to databases to answer queries, avoiding connections to all the local databases. The condensing agent also produces summarized data and sends it upstream as well, to be used by the console. Efficiency is improved over conventional systems.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting memory leaks includes a monitoring agent, a user interface for configuring operating parameters and a reporting mechanism. The monitoring agent determines allocated memory levels of a monitored application at a sampling frequency and determines when a then-existing “peak” memory level has increased. The monitored application is determined to be leaking memory when a determined number of increases in the peak allocated memory level are detected. The determined number may be fixed ahead of time or may be calculated dynamically based on user specified parameters. When a given memory leakage rate is exceeded, an alarm response is taken, which may be either a specified notification of the alarm or an action. Certain increases in the peak allocated memory levels are ignored as not necessarily being indicative of a memory leak condition, such as during startup of the program or between rapidly, closely-occurring increases in the peak allocated memory level.

Abstract: A system for managing computers in a distributed computer network includes a collection agent for each computer being monitored, a local database coupled to each collection agent, one or more condensing agents coupled to the databases, and at least one console module. The condensing agent generates an index table from a source database and sends it upstream to the next level up in the hierarchy of databases. Other condensing agents may in turn act on this index table and send it up to a still further level, until a top-level master node has an index table reflecting the entire network. The console can use the index table to identify what databases contain needed data, and then make only selective connections to databases to answer queries, avoiding connections to all the local databases. The condensing agent also produces summarized data and sends it upstream as well, to be used by the console. Efficiency is improved over conventional systems.

Abstract: A system for managing computers in a distributed computer network includes a collection agent for each computer being monitored, a local database coupled to each collection agent, one or more condensing agents coupled to the databases, and at least one console module. The condensing agent generates an index table from a source database and sends it upstream to the next level up in the hierarchy of databases. Other condensing agents may in turn act on this index table and send it up to a still further level, until a top-level master node has an index table reflecting the entire network. The console can use the index table to identify what databases contain needed data, and then make only selective connections to databases to answer queries, avoiding connections to all the local databases. The condensing agent also produces summarized data and sends it upstream as well, to be used by the console. Efficiency is improved over conventional systems.

Abstract: A method is provided for selecting between various communication access methods for client computers which are connected to a computer network. When a client computer attempts to load an application program, the system loader on the client computer is hooked or paused. A preset configuration may be evaluated to determine if the user will be prompted to select an access method, if a particular access method is preset, or if a rules database will be evaluated to select an access method. If a Remote Node access method is selected, the system loader is unpaused and the selected program is allowed to run on the remote user's computer. If a Remote Control access method is selected, a remote control program is executed at the server. A load balancing algorithm may be used to determine which server will be used if a plurality of servers are available on the computer network for hosting a Remote Control session.