Inventors:
John Lauderdale - Gillette NJ, US
International Classification:
G09G005/00
Abstract:
A computer having an operating system and open applications and documents is shut down automatically, without further input from a user. The computer has an emergency exit key, which is depressed for a preselected period of time to activate shut down. A document list is stored in the memory of the computer for listing preselected documents. A shutdown manager saves any open documents that constitute a member of the document list. The shutdown manager also terminates open applications, and dismisses dialogs generated by applications or the operating system. An application list containing preselected applications and a back-up list containing preselected files are, optionally, stored in the memory of the computer. The shutdown manager saves open files created by applications that constitute a member of the application list, and backs-up files constituting a member of the back-up list. Shutdown protocol is preselected by the computer operator. After activation of the emergency shutdown key, no further input or action from the user is required. A rapid and controlled shutdown of the computer is accomplished without damage to its operating system or file directories.