Abstract: An improved mechanism for managing an object cache is disclosed. An object cache manager receives a request for an object resident in an object cache. A determination is made as to whether the requested object is currently within a particular portion of the object cache. If the requested object is within this particular portion, then the object cache manager keeps the requested object within this portion of the cache by maintaining the requested object at its current position relative to other objects in the object cache. By removing the overhead of repositioning objects within a particular portion of the object cache, the efficiency of object cache management is significantly improved.

Abstract: A local computer stores a current program such as an operating system or an application. A network server stores a latest program which is a latest version of the current program, and an identifier program for generating an identification corresponding to the latest program upon interrogation. An updater program is alternatively stored on the local computer or the network server for causing the latest program to be transferred from the network server to the local computer and replace the current computer program. The current program and the latest program each include a startup program configured to interrogate the identifier program, determine if the identification corresponds to the current program, and if the identification does not correspond to the current program, run the updater program.

Abstract: A computer system program including an operating system and a plurality of system service modules generates a number of status messages representing selected milestone events while it is being loaded and run, including progress advisories and technical advisories. User-friendly icons are displayed on a display monitor in response to the progress advisories, indicating which milestone event is occurring and how much of the event has been completed. If there is a failure in loading the system program, a user can provide service personnel with an accurate evaluation of the system condition by reporting which icon was displayed last on the monitor. Technical advisories such as audit records which are not relevant to a user are stored as entries in a silent log for possible later use by service personnel.