Managing physical memory in a virtual memory computer

Abstract

A method manages memory of a computer where the physical memory of the computer includes one or more non-pageable pools. According to the method, one or more non-pageable pools of physical memory that are otherwise managed by a virtual memory are designated. The memory for one of the designated pools is then mapped in response to a request from a non-privileged program.

1 . In the operation of a computer, a method comprising: 
 designating one or more non-pageable pools of physical memory otherwise managed by a virtual memory system; and    mapping memory from one of the designated pools in response to a request from a non-privileged program.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 assigning a symbolic name to each of the one or more designated pools; and    receiving a specified one of the symbolic names as part of the request from the non-privileged program.    
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of: 
 during execution of an operating system of the computer, freeing one of the designated pools to a system fluid page pool.    
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 designating a first pool of physical memory for program-accessible pages for use by the program; and    designating a second pool of physical memory for page tables mapping the program-accessible pages.    
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 an operating system enforces a privilege right to allocate memory from the one or more designated pools, and allows the non-privileged program to attach to the allocated memory.    
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , further compromising: 
 allocating memory from a fluid page pool if a requested amount of memory from one of the designated pools exceeds the available memory in that designated pool.