Abstract: Described are techniques for performing quota management in a distributed file system. An allocation quota specifies an upper limit of storage for allocation for a quota set of the distributed file system. The distributed file system includes metadata file system(s) and data file system(s). For files in the distributed file system, metadata is stored in one of the metadata file systems and file content data is stored in the data file systems. A quota coordinator partitions the allocation quota among the data file systems. The data file systems are allocators of storage and each receives a portion of the allocation quota specifying an upper limit of storage that the data file system has available for allocation for the quota set. Storage is allocated for client requests. The storage allocation is performed by each of the data file systems in accordance with the portion of the allocation quota assigned.

Abstract: Described are techniques for performing quota management in a distributed file system. An allocation quota specifies an upper limit of storage for allocation for a quota set of the distributed file system. The distributed file system includes metadata file system(s) and data file system(s). For files in the distributed file system, metadata is stored in one of the metadata file systems and file content data is stored in the data file systems. A quota coordinator partitions the allocation quota among the data file systems. The data file systems are allocators of storage and each receives a portion of the allocation quota specifying an upper limit of storage that the data file system has available for allocation for the quota set. Storage is allocated for client requests. The storage allocation is performed by each of the data file systems in accordance with the portion of the allocation quota assigned.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates atomically updating selected bits within a register in a computing system. During operation, the system receives a command to update selected bits within the register. This command includes a data word and a control bit pattern. Next, the system examines the control bit pattern to determine an operation to be performed on the register. The system then performs the operation, which involves using the dataword to modify a content of the register atomically, without blocking subsequent commands to update the register.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates atomically updating selected bits within a register in a computing system. During operation, the system receives a command to update selected bits within the register. This command includes a data word and a control bit pattern. Next, the system examines the control bit pattern to determine an operation to be performed on the register. The system then performs the operation, which involves using the dataword to modify a content of the register atomically, without blocking subsequent commands to update the register.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates setting a core voltage for a central processing unit (CPU) contained within a CPU chip in a computer system. During operation, the system applies an I/O voltage to the CPU chip, thereby enabling I/O buffers within the CPU chip to drive I/O pins on the CPU chip. Next, the system reads a selected set of I/O pins on the CPU chip, wherein the selected set of I/O pins specify an initial core voltage for the CPU. This allows the system to apply the initial core voltage to the CPU chip to enable the CPU to operate. When the CPU is able to operate, the system reads a CPU identifier from the CPU chip, and uses the CPU identifier to lookup an optimal core voltage for the CPU. This allows the system to apply the optimal core voltage to the CPU chip.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for efficiently accessing multiple system controllers within a computer system. The system operates by first receiving an administration connection from an administration device at a first system controller within the computer system. The system next determines if the administration connection is directed to a second system controller within the computer system. If so, the system establishes the administration connection by establishing an internal communication link between the first system controller and the second system controller.

Abstract: A method implemented in a computer system for storing non-volatile configuration information (NVCI), wherein NVCI is stored in one or more active segments of a segmented flash memory. The NVCI consists of a series of key-value pairs. When the computer system is started, the key-value pairs are read from the active segment, beginning with the least recently stored and ending with the most recently stored. The key-value pairs are inserted into a hash table, with later-read key-value pairs replacing earlier-read key-value pairs of the same key. Write accesses to the NVCI are made to both the hash table and the active segment of flash memory. When an active segment of the flash memory is filled to a threshold capacity, current key-value pairs stored in the hash table are written to a new flash memory segment, which then becomes the active segment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system that looks up thread-specific computer system parameters from a centralized repository. These thread-specific computer system parameters govern interactions between threads and components within a computer system. The system operates by receiving a request from a thread to look up a thread-specific computer system parameter. In response to this request, the system obtains a thread identifier associated with the thread, and uses the thread identifier to look up the thread-specific computer system parameter from the centralized repository of computer system parameters. Next, the system uses the thread-specific computer system parameter in performing an action for the thread related to operation of a computer system component. For example, the system may use the thread-specific computer system parameter to “power on” or “power off” a board within a server.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to the production of boards and other relatively thick-walled shapes of various configurations from inorganic silicates. The method for preparing such products involves five general steps: first a fully or predominantly crystalline body is formed containing crystals consisting essentially of a lithium and/or sodium water-swelling mica selected from the group of fluorhectorite, boron fluorphlogopite, and solid solutions therebetween; second, that body is contacted with a polar liquid, customarily water, to cause swelling and disintegration of the body accompanied with the formation of a gel; third, the gel is contacted with a source of large cations to effect an ion exchange reaction between the large cations and the Li.sup.+ and/or Na.sup.