Dynamic file mapping for network computers
First Claim
1. A method of dynamic file mapping, comprising:
- storing an application on a first server and a plurality of sets of user-specific file mappings on a second server within a network;
responsive to a user logging into the network, determining a userid for the user;
determining whether a set of user-specific file mappings is associated with the userid;
responsive to determining that a set of user-specific file mappings is associated with the userid, loading the set of user-specific file mappings;
responsive to the user executing the application, utilizing the user-specific file mappings to redirect file calls from the application.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
File mappings are dynamically loaded within an operating data processing system appended to existing file or directory mappings during operation rather than being loaded during system initialization. A triggering event, such as a user logging into a network from the data processing system with a unique userid, initiates the process for selectively loaded the dynamic file mappings. A context variable, such as the userid of the user logging into the network, is employed to select the set or table of file mappings which are dynamically loaded. The dynamically loaded file mappings are appended to traditional, machine-specific file mappings loaded at system initialization and may be unloaded without affecting such traditional file mappings. The capability of dynamic file mapping allows single-user applications, those designed for use by only one user at a time, to be shared from a single network location, with user-specific files mapped to different locations for different users. Thus, only one copy of a browser is required in a network computer environment. Sensitive files, such as bookmark, security, and cookie files, are dynamically mapped to a user-specific directory based on the userid regardless of the user unit from which the user logs in. Multiple users may share a single copy of the single user browser, and users may “roam” the network, logging in at any data processing system.
133 Citations
10 Claims
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1. A method of dynamic file mapping, comprising:
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storing an application on a first server and a plurality of sets of user-specific file mappings on a second server within a network;
responsive to a user logging into the network, determining a userid for the user;
determining whether a set of user-specific file mappings is associated with the userid;
responsive to determining that a set of user-specific file mappings is associated with the userid, loading the set of user-specific file mappings;
responsive to the user executing the application, utilizing the user-specific file mappings to redirect file calls from the application. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
storing a plurality of sets of user-specific file mappings for the application on the second server.
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3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of storing an application on a first server and a plurality of sets of user-specific file mappings on a second server within a network further comprises:
storing a single-user application on the first server for execution by a plurality of users.
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4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
loading at least one machine-specific file mapping in addition to the set of user-specific file mappings.
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5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
responsive to the user logging out of the network, unloading only the set of user-specific file mappings.
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6. A mechanism for dynamic file mapping, comprising:
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an application server containing an application;
a domain controller containing a plurality of sets of user-specific file mappings;
a user unit connected to the application server and the domain controller to form a network, wherein the network further comprises a logon routine;
determining a userid for a user in response to the user logging into the network;
determining whether a set of user-specific file mappings is associated with the userid; and
loading the set of user-specific file mappings in the user unit in response to determining that a set of user-specific file mappings is associated with the userid, wherein the user unit, responsive to the user executing the application, utilizes the user-specific file mappings to redirect file calls from the application. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10)
user-specific file mappings for the application.
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8. The mechanism of claim 6, wherein the application further comprises:
a single-user application accessible for execution by a plurality of users.
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9. The mechanism of claim 6, wherein the user unit loads at least one machine-specific file mapping in addition to the set of user-specific file mappings.
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10. The mechanism of claim 6, wherein the network further comprises:
a logout routine unloading only the set of user-specific file mappings from the user unit in response to the user logging out of the network.
Specification