Method to detect errors in computer systems by using state tracking

Disclosed is a method for detecting errors in a computer system including a processing unit to perform tasks to change items. The method comprises the steps of assigning a task control block to the processing unit, and using the task control block to keep track of items being changed by the processi...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors von Buttlar, Joachim, Easton, Janet R, Oakes, Kenneth J, Piechowski, Andrew W, Taubert, Martin, Trotter, John
Format Patent
LanguageEnglish
Published 25.11.2008
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Summary:Disclosed is a method for detecting errors in a computer system including a processing unit to perform tasks to change items. The method comprises the steps of assigning a task control block to the processing unit, and using the task control block to keep track of items being changed by the processing unit. The method comprises the further steps of at defined times, checking the task control block to identify items being changed by the processing unit, and checking the states of said identified items to determine if those states are correct. The preferred embodiment of the invention detects an error when it arises (where possible), and utilizes an infrastructure that allows simple and periodic consistency checks (for example, at designated code points) that detect the error before it causes follow-on problems.