Abstract: In a cursor-based computing environment generating a display, a user-definable interface is configured by a user and activated when needed by a user, wherein the user-definable interface comprises a plurality of buttons. Functions of the buttons are selectable by the user according to his preferences. These preferences may be derived from applications or by functions selected exclusively by the user. An application (ZTool) is also described, this application allowing configuration of a display in accordance with predetermined parameters. These parameters may be related to data base access functions or other types of data access, including logistical support.

Abstract: A method for developing user interfaces to support efficient workflow implementation in an organization or in daily tasks of a typical consumer is disclosed. The method accounts for limitations in ability of a typical user of such interfaces to deal with more than about six elements of information or choices at any given step of a workflow. The method may include use of customized tools and other components developed to support implementation of user interfaces and data structures needed to implement user interfaces and associated data exchanges between client devices and applications on servers. The user interfaces, methods, tools, and other components may also be used to support user interfaces used to control software applications, information appliances, and other devices.

Abstract: A method for developing user interfaces to support efficient workflow implementation in an organization or in daily tasks of a typical consumer is disclosed. The method accounts for limitations in ability of a typical user of such interfaces to deal with more than about six elements of information or choices at any given step of a workflow. The method may include use of customized tools and other components developed to support implementation of user interfaces and data structures needed to implement user interfaces and associated data exchanges between client devices and applications on servers. The user interfaces, methods, tools, and other components may also be used to support user interfaces used to control software applications, information appliances, and other devices.

Abstract: A first portable selective call receiver (130) updates a record in a database in the first portable selective call receiver, and automatically creates a message packet (200) in response to the record updating, the message packet (200) including message data (204) comprising changes updated to the record. The first portable selective call receiver (130) then sends the message packet (200) to a central paging communication system (100). The central paging communication system (100) receives the message packet (200), couples destination address information with the message packet (200) to provide a message, and wireless transmits the message over a paging communication channel. A second portable selective call receiver (130) receives the message from the paging communication channel, and updates a record in a database in the second portable selective call receiver (130) with the message data (204) from the message packet (200) from the received message.