Abstract: A data management system that protects data into a continuous object store includes a management interface having a time control. The time control allows an administrator to specify a “past” time, such as a single point or range. When the time control is set to a single point, a hierarchical display of data appears on a display exactly as the data existed in the system at that moment in the past. Preferably, the visualization includes both the structure of the hierarchy (e.g., the identity of the directories, their files, databases, and the like) and also the contents of the data objects themselves (i.e., what was in the files and databases). The time control enables the management interface to operate within a history mode in which the display provides a visual representation of a “virtual” point in time in the past during which the data management system has been operative to provide the data protection service.

Abstract: The invention is an object-oriented graphic user interface for use in computer controlled display systems, and in particular, display systems having object oriented graphic interfaces. A central processing unit (CPU) is provided and is coupled to a display for displaying graphic and other data. The CPU is further coupled to a cursor control device which permits a user to selectively position a cursor at a desired location on the display, and signal the CPU of selections in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Buttons are generated by the CPU and displayed which correspond to either a single function to be executed by the CPU, or a button stack which has associated therewith a plurality of functions disposed on a menu. The menu includes a plurality of buttons and/or button stacks. A button stack may be provided with a default function which is automatically executed by the CPU when a predetermined signal is provided by the user through the cursor control device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed which has application for use in computer controlled display systems, and in particular, display systems having object oriented graphic interfaces. A central processing unit (CPU) is provided and is coupled to a display for displaying graphic and other data. The CPU is further coupled to a pointer control device which permits a user to selectively position a pointer at a desired location on the display, and signal the CPU of selections in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Buttons are generated by the CPU and displayed which correspond to a single function to be executed by the CPU, a window button which displays a pop-up window, an abbreviated menu button or a menu button which has associated therewith a plurality of functions disposed on a menu. The menu includes a plurality of menu items.

Abstract: A graphical user interface method wherein a user can retain frequently used menus on the display screen in an intuitive manner. A computer system is coupled to a display for displaying graphic and other data and to a pointer control device which permits a user to selectively position a pointer on the display and signal selections with a switch. Graphical menu buttons are displayed on the screen which correspond to menus displaying further functions. When a menu button is selected by the user, a menu appears in a rectangular box containing an icon of a pushpin and a plurality of menu choices which can be selected. If the user places the pointer over the pushpin icon and then releases the pointer control device switch, the icon of the pushpin is then modified so it appears that the pushpin has "pinned" the menu to the screen. The temporary menu box is converted into a permanent window which remains on the display regardless of other display operations.

Abstract: The invention is an object-oriented graphic interface for use in computer controlled display systems. A central processing unit (CPU) is provided and is coupled to a display for displaying graphic and other data. The CPU is further coupled to a cursor control device which permits a user to selectively position a cursor at a desired location on the display, and signal the CPU of selections in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Buttons are generated by the CPU and displayed which correspond to either a single function to be executed by the CPU, or a button stack which has associated therewith a plurality of functions disposed on a menu. The menu includes a plurality of buttons and/or button stacks. The menu also includes a first icon, which presently is in the form of a push pin. The placement of the cursor over the push pin and releasing the first switch on the cursor control results in the CPU converting the menu into a window.

Abstract: A central processing unit (CPU) is coupled to a display for displaying graphic and other data. The CPU is further coupled to a cursor control device which permits a user to selectively position a cursor at a desired location on the display, and signal the CPU of selections. Images are generated in the form of "windows" by the CPU which include standard window features as well as text, icons, and buttons which correspond to functions to be executed by the CPU. The selection of certain buttons results in the generation and display of a menu which includes a plurality of functions which may be chosen by a user. Help information may be obtained by a user by positioning the cursor on the display using the cursor control device over an area of the window which the user desires the help information. After placing the cursor over a desired area, which may include by way of example an icon, window function, or other window image, the user depresses a predefined help key on a keyboard coupled to the CPU.

Abstract: A central processing unit (CPU) is provided and is coupled to a display for displaying graphic and other data. The CPU is further coupled to a pointer control device which permits a user to selectively position a pointer at a desired location on the display, and signal the CPU of selections in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Images are generated in the form of "windows" by the CPU which include standard window features as well as text, icons, and buttons whch correspond to functions to be executed by the CPU. The selection of certain buttons results in the generation and display of a menu which includes a plurality of functions which may be chosen by a user. Help information may be obtained by a user by positioning the pointer on the display using the pointer control device over an area of the window which the user desires the help information.