Abstract: A request is output to a first queue of a storage device. A head flag of the request is set based on whether the request is a read type request and a comparison of a percentage of requests queued at the first queue that are read type requests to a threshold percentage. The storage device is to store the request at a head of the first queue if the head flag of the request is set.

Abstract: A request is output to a first queue of a storage device. A head flag of the request is set based on whether the request is a read type request and a comparison of a percentage of requests queued at the first queue that are read type requests to a threshold percentage. The storage device is to store the request at a head of the first queue if the head flag of the request is set.

Abstract: In at least some embodiments, a system comprises a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory stores processor performance utility instructions and performance adjustment instructions. When executed, the processor performance utility instructions are configured to cause activities of the processor to be counted and to cause a processor utilization value to be determined based on the counts. When executed, the performance adjustment instructions are configured to adjust the processor utilization value based on a comparison of the processor's current operating frequency and maximum operating frequency.

Abstract: Boot acceleration for computer systems is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, a method of boot acceleration for a computer system may comprise monitoring data requests during a boot procedure. The method may also comprise pre-fetching data from a storage device during a subsequent boot procedure based at least in part on the monitored data requests. The method may also comprise accessing the pre-fetched data from a cache to accelerate the subsequent boot procedure.

Abstract: A software implementation of an application watchdog, comprising a restart service operating in the user mode and a watchdog driver operating in the kernel mode of a computer operating system. The driver incorporates a system thread configured to monitor a plurality of user applications operating in the user mode. The driver provides a first IOCTL signal interface for communicating control signals between the watchdog driver and one of the user applications and a second IOCTL signal interface for communicating control signals between the watchdog driver and the restart service. A communication interface exists for coordinating timer events with the operating system scheduler. If the system thread does not receive a message from one of said applications within an allotted period of time, the timer event alerts the watchdog driver that the allotted time has elapsed and the watchdog driver signals the restart service to restart that application.