Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a computer implemented method and apparatus for processing user defined input on a graphical user interface (GUI). Initially, a first user defined input value is received in a first graphical processing element. This first graphical processing element determines if the first user defined input value is a valid input value. Typically, this is done by comparing the first user defined input value with a set of valid input values. The first graphical processing element and said feedback message are embedded in a second graphical processing element. The second graphical processing element receives a feedback message from the first graphical processing element if the first graphical processing element determines that the first user defined input value is invalid. The second graphical processing element displays the feedback message and the first graphical processing element in a GUI when the first user defined input value is invalid.

Abstract: A method for presenting help messages to a user in an interactive computer environment in which a help mode operates concurrently with other programs operating in the computer system. The user receives information about an icon by positioning a pointer on the computer's video display over the icon about which more information is desired. The computer then retrieves an appropriate help message based upon user sophistication from a database of help messages stored in its memory and displays it in a graphic bubble on the video display. The graphic bubble is placed so as to not overlap the object about which more help is requested. The graphic bubble is removed as soon as the pointer is moved away from the object.