Preloading data in a cache memory according to user-specified preload criteria

A computer system comprising:

• a processing unit;
• a system memory coupled to the processing unit;
• a mass storage unit coupled to the processing unit;
• a storage array distinct from the system memory and coupled to the processing it to operate as a user cache;
• and
• computer-executable instructions that cause the processor to evaluate pre-load criteria upon initialization of the instructions, the pre-load criteria identifying data that is to be pre-loaded into the storage array prior to receiving a command on the data,
• to retrieve the data from the mass storage unit in accordance with the pre-load criteria,
• to store the data in the storage array for subsequent access by commands on the data,
• to inspect a request for data from a process,
• to cause the requested data to be retrieved from a mass storage device if the requested data is not in the storage array, and
• to store the requested data in the storage array in accordance with exclusion criteria that specifies data excluded from storage in the storage array using a file identifier.

A computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions comprising:

• causing data to be retrieved from a mass storage device in accordance with pre-load criteria, the pre-load criteria identifying data that is to be pre-loaded into a storage array prior to receiving a command on the data;
• storing the data in the storage array for subsequence access by commands on the data, the storage array acting as a user cache for a computer system;
• inspecting a request for data from a process;
• causing the requested data to be retrieved from a mass storage device if the requested data is not in the storage array;
• and
• storing the requested data in the storage array in accordance with exclusion criteria that specifies data excluded from storage in the storage array using a file identifier.