Abstract:
Apparatus and methods for intercepting and analyzing threads are disclosed. In one embodiment, a thread data recorder is configured to instrument one or more existing functions by modifying computer executable instructions in the functions to intercept threads calling the functions. In one possible implementation, the number of existing functions instrumented can be reduced by instrumenting choke point functions. The instrumented functions can also capture data associated with the threads as the threads execute at the function. This data can be saved to memory and compressed into logs. In one aspect, the data can be saved and/or compressed at a time when processor resources are being used at or below predetermined level. The captured data can be used to analyze a functioning of a computer system in which the threads were produced.
Abstract:
A method and system for identifying a configuration parameter of a “sick” computer system that is at fault for causing an undesired behavior based on analysis of configuration parameters from other computer systems is provided. In one embodiment, a troubleshooting system collects “suspect” values for “suspect” configuration parameters used by a “sick” application when the undesired behavior was exhibited by the sick computer system. The troubleshooting system then compares the suspect values to sample values of the suspect configuration parameters retrieved from sample computer systems. The troubleshooting system uses that comparison to identify one or more suspect configuration parameters that are likely at fault for causing the application to exhibit the undesired behavior.
Abstract:
A status notification method and facility is provided for use with a service chain processing a request for a service. The service chain can include multiple computer nodes, and the method includes dynamically creating the service chain for processing the request, and guaranteeing agreement, on at least two of the nodes of the service chain, about the status of the processing of the request. The method can also include saving detailed operational data logs in response to determining that a failure in processing the request has occurred. When a given node in the service chain determines that failure has occurred, agreement about the failure can be propagated throughout the service chain. Also, conditional logging of detailed operational data can minimize the amount of operational data transmitted over a network and saved to a data repository.
Abstract:
As computer programs grow more complex, extensible, and connected, it becomes increasingly difficult for users to understand what has changed on their machines and what impact those changes have. An embodiment of the invention is described via a software tool, called AskStrider, that answers those questions by correlating volatile process information with persistent-state context information and change history. AskStrider scans a system for active components, matches them against a change log to identify recently updated and hence more interesting state, and searches for context information to help users understand the changes. Several real-world cases are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of using AskStrider to quickly identify the presence of unwanted software, to determine if a software patch is potentially breaking an application, and to detect lingering components left over from an unclean uninstallation.
Abstract:
In an embodiment of isolation environment-based information access, programs—including operating systems and applications—running on a computing-based device can be isolated in an environment such as a virtual machine. Information including commands and/or data transmitted between the computing-based device and the program(s) being run, as well as information associated with the program(s) and the computing-based device, is accessed without being detected by the program(s). In one implementation, the information includes state information as well as commands and/or data—including sensitive information, such as usernames and passwords. In another implementation, the information can be used to secretly access the program(s).
Abstract:
A technique for automatically detecting and correcting configuration errors in a computing system. In a learning process, recurring event sequences, including e.g., registry access events, are identified from event logs, and corresponding rules are developed. In a detecting phase, the rules are applied to detected event sequences to identify violations and to recover from failures. Event sequences across multiple hosts can be analyzed. The recurring event sequences are identified efficiently by flattening a hierarchical sequence of the events such as is obtained from the Sequitur algorithm. A trie is generated from the recurring event sequences and edges of nodes of the trie are marked as rule edges or non-rule edges. A rule is formed from a set of nodes connected by rule edges. The rules can be updated as additional event sequences are analyzed. False positive suppression policies include a violation- consistency policy and an expected event disappearance policy.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for implementing system management which are based on reviewing of the interactions between one or more programs and the persistent state they tend to represent. The system provides for detection of modifications that occur within a system, verifying whether the modifications are approved or not and generating notifications on detecting unknown modifications.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for implementing system management which are based on reviewing of the interactions between one or more programs and the persistent state they tend to represent. The system provides for detection of modifications that occur within a system, verifying whether the modifications are approved or not and generating notifications on detecting unknown modifications.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods for intercepting and analyzing threads are disclosed. In one embodiment, a thread data recorder is configured to instrument one or more existing functions by modifying computer executable instructions in the functions to intercept threads calling the functions. In one possible implementation, the number of existing functions instrumented can be reduced by instrumenting choke point functions. The instrumented functions can also capture data associated with the threads as the threads execute at the function. This data can be saved to memory and compressed into logs. In one aspect, the data can be saved and/or compressed at a time when processor resources are being used at or below a predetermined level. The captured data can be used to analyze a functioning of a computer system in which the threads were produced.
Abstract:
A system and method are provided for encoding data in accordance with the present invention. The system includes a first subsystem for encoding a second data protocol within a formatted data protocol without disrupting display operations associated with the first data protocol. An encapsulation sequence is provided to isolate the second data protocol from the formatted data protocol, wherein a monitoring subsystem receives status from the first subsystem via the second data protocol.