DM> easy enough to code a program which opens files and keeps them open and 
DM> perhaps a selective way (semaphores?) to close certain 
DM> files for access by 
DM> a specific task.
PV>selective is the key term. I can't find a way to be selective. And, as I
PV> understand semaphores, they would work from within one 
PV>program only. Maybe there is a way to implement something 

   No.  Named semaphores work across the entire system.  However named
pipes would probably be better suited to the task and they also work across
computers.  You could have the locking program running on the file
server...

PV>like that with shared memory or communication between the 
PV>application and the "locker" program. But that requires 
PV>some modifications to the base application. Something they 
PV>wouldn't want to do.

   You could possibly write a wrapper program which asks the locking
program to unlock the files and then runs the application in question...


   This method won't work too well if you want to lock many files.  The
lock/unlock process would be very slow and take lots of system resources.


  If you want a decent OS/2 security program then call Airtech Computer
Security on +61-3-9802-1912, or just get LAN Server advanced.


   cya
___
 X MR/2 2.0 NR X Mary had a little RAM -- only about a MEG or so.

--- Maximus/2 2.02