Method and apparatus for computing over a wide area network

摘要

A cluster computer system including multiple network accessible computers that are each coupled to a network. The network accessible computers implement host computer programs which permits the network accessible computers to operate as host computers for client computers also connected to the network, such that input devices of the client computers can be used to generate inputs to the host computers, and such that image information generated by the host computers can be viewed by the client computers. The system also includes a cluster administration computer coupled to the multiple network accessible computers to monitor the operation of the network accessible computers. A method for providing access to host computers by client computers over a computer network includes receiving a request for a host computer coupled to a computer network from a client computer coupled to the computer network, wherein the relationship of the host computer to the client computer is to be such that after the client computer becomes associated with a host computer, an input device of the client computer can be used to generate inputs to the host computer, and such that image information generated by the host computer can be viewed by the client computer. Next, a suitable host computer for the client computer is determined, and the client computer is informed of the network address of the suitable host computer.

主权项

1. A cluster computer system, comprising:
a plurality of network accessible computers, coupled to a network, including:
a first network accessible computer configured to operate a first operating system,a second network accessible computer configured to operate a second operating system different from the first operating system; and a cluster administration computer, coupled to the network, configured to:
identify a network accessible computer for a client computer coupled to the network,monitor a functionality of the network accessible computer and resetting the network accessible computer in response to a determination that the network accessible computer is functioning improperly, anduse a stored personal state to resume operations after the resetting of the network accessible computer;wherein the client computer may operate an application program on the network accessible computer based upon the stored personal state that includes a network accessible stored prior state of a workspace of a previously used network accessible computer; andwherein the workspace includes:
a previously created file structure, andone or more windows that were open at a time the previously used network accessible computer was previously used.