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System having device driver operates in first mode for allowing concurrent access to adapter by applications and second mode for limiting access to one application

  • US 5,671,442 A
  • Filed: 05/11/1995
  • Issued: 09/23/1997
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/12/1993
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An information handling system, comprising:

  • at least two terminals; and

    a communications means coupled to the at least two terminals for communicating information between at least two terminals in the information handling system;

    wherein each of said terminals comprises;

    a processor, for processing information to be communicated between the terminals;

    an operating system for controlling the operation of the processor;

    at least one application on the processor under control of the operating system;

    a device driver having at least two modes of operation, a first mode of operation of the device driver allowing concurrent access to an adapter controlled by one or more applications, and a second mode of operation of the device driver which limits access to one application; and

    a communications adapter controlled by the device driver;

    each device driver further comprising;

    means for testing a request for access to the communications adapter to determine if such request is for a first mode or a second mode of operation;

    means for setting a mode indicator to a first state if a first mode of operation is detected;

    means for setting a mode indicator to a second state if the second mode of operation is indicated; and

    means for blocking access by other applications if the second mode of operation has been detected.

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