This book contains the revised papers presented at the Second International Workshop on Responsive Systems held at KDD Research and Development Laboratories at Saitama, Japan, on October 1 and 2, 1992. Recognized international experts from the fields of real-time computer systems, fault-tolerant computer systems, and distributed computer systems discuss novel approaches about how these emerging fields can be integrated to support the increasing demand for responsive computer applications. The written record of the fascinating keynote address on "The Concepts and Technologies of Dependable and Real-Time Computer Systems for Shinkansen Train Control" covers the architecture and operational experience of the control system behind a highly dependable public transportation service, the Shinkansen Train System. More than twenty other contributions treat relevant issues about Responsive Systems Theory, Communication Protocol Design, Real-Time System Design, and Experimental Responsive Systems.