Patent ID: 6237137
Filing Date: 2001-05-22
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A computer comprising:at least one processor for executing a software program, the processor capable of operating in a suspended execution mode and having a first memory location that indicates whether the processor is currently operating in the suspended execution mode;a storage device accessible by the processor; anda routine stored in the storage device;wherein, when the processor is executing the software program, the software program is capable of initiating the routine; andwherein, once initiated, the routine checks the first memory location to determine if the processor is in the suspended execution mode; andwherein responsive to a determination that the processor is in the suspended execution mode, the routine stops the processor from continuing to execute the software program; andwherein responsive to a determination that the processor is not in the suspended execution mode, the routine returns control of the processor to the software program.