Abstract: A method of chat communication can include receiving chat communication messages associated with topical threads and displaying the chat communication messages. The chat communication messages associated with a selected topical thread can be visually distinguished, using a visual identifier, from other ones of the chat communication messages associated with other topical threads.

Abstract: A tool-tip presentation system for multimedia files. The tool-tip presentation system can be configured to respond to proximity events associated with a selected entry in a list of multimedia files such as screen captured images or complete audio files. Based upon the selected entry, a corresponding multimedia sample such as a thumbnail image of a screen captured image or an audio sample of the audio file can be retrieved and presented as a tool-tip. In particular, the tool-tip can be displayed in a position which is proximate to the selected entry. In this way, one who interacts with the list of multimedia files need not load each complete multimedia file in the list in order to determine the contents of the multimedia file. Rather, the multimedia sample in the tool-tip can suffice.

Abstract: A method of chat messaging can include, establishing communication links with at least a first and a second participant for exchanging chat messages through a chat engine. A state change can be detected for the first participant. An alternate communication channel and an alternate communication channel address can be determined from a user profile of the first participant. While maintaining the communication link with the second participant, a different communication link can be established using the alternative communication channel and the alternative communication channel address. The first participant and the second participant can be communicatively linked subsequent to establishing the connection through the chat engine.

Abstract: A method of chat communication can include receiving chat communication messages associated with topical threads and displaying the chat communication messages. The chat communication messages associated with a selected topical thread can be visually distinguished, using a visual identifier, from other ones of the chat communication messages associated with other topical threads.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for programmatically generating a ranked list of suitable target systems for a particular product-specific software installation, using a generic approach that is easily adaptable to a wide variety of software products. Product-specific configuration parameters and corresponding weights are used in performing the suitability assessment, and routines are identified which may be invoked on potential target systems to determine values of the configuration parameters. The weights are then applied to values representing each potential target system, and the summed total represents the suitability of that potential target. A ranked list may then be created and provided to the software installer for use in selecting the actual target(s) of the installation. In preferred embodiments, structured markup language syntax is used to specify the configuration parameters and weights, as well as the identification of the routines.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, apparatus, and computer instructions for changing a pointer based on rate of movement of a pointing device. The present invention automatically changes a pointer based on user defined thresholds and the rate of movement of the pointing device. The user defines the changes for the pointer with respect to given thresholds.

Abstract: A graphical user interface for a computer system has a toolbar with associated items and a menu bar having at least one pulldown menu with associated items, and provides a visual correspondence between items on the pulldown menu and items on the toolbar. The visual correspondence can be provided when a graphical pointer is placed over an item on the pulldown menu, and when a graphical pointer is placed over an item on the toolbar. The visual correspondence may be provided by highlighting the item on the toolbar, by providing a ghost image of the item on the toolbar, or by providing a ghost image of the pulldown menu. The invention retains current user interaction with toolbars and menu bars, and the novel dynamic linking of menu bar and toolbar items extends the functionality of the GUI without increasing visual complexity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for feedback of object size during direct manipulation. In one embodiment, the invention determines whether the file size of an object being directly manipulated exceeds a threshold and, if the file size exceeds the threshold, varies the mouse tracking speed. The mouse tracking speed is preferably reduced if the file size exceeds an upper threshold and increased if the file size exceeds (falls below) a lower threshold. The mouse tracking speed is preferably restored to its unvaried value upon the conclusion of the direct manipulation.

Abstract: A method and system for managing events within a calendar program executing within the data processing system. Selected events are associated with each other. An action is performed on the selected events in response to a completion of one of the selected events. The action performed may be marking the selected events as being completed or deleting the selected events. Similar actions may be performed on the selected events in response to a deletion of one of the selected events.

Abstract: A method of manipulating and obtaining access to graphical desktop objects is disclosed. Touch-sensitive fields are provided on a computer display for user selection. Upon selecting one of the fields with a fingertip, a fingerprint therefrom is analyzed and compared to a list of authorized fingerprints. Once the fingerprint passes inspection, the user is granted access to the underlying program.

Abstract: A method and system for enhanced data access efficiency in an electronic book implemented within a data processing system having a display, at least one displayable index screen which includes multiple selectable topics and multiple numbered data pages. A user is permitted to designate particular selectable topics within the index screen and page tabs are then displayed for each numbered data page which includes a reference to a designated selectable topic. An iconic representation of the index screen is displayed in the absence of a display of the index screen. The iconic representation of the index screen includes a selectable control element. Each time the selectable control element is selected by a user, a list of each designated selectable topic is provided. A listing of page tabs for each numbered data page associated with a listed selectable topic is then displayed each time a listed selectable topic is graphically selected by a user.