Abstract: A program installation system comprises an installation planning window displayed for a user prior to the installation of a computer program. The installation planning window may be an adjunct to an installation window and may also be accessible through the program once the program is installed. A series of controls within the installation planning window are linked to installation planning functions. The installation planning functions in given examples provide information regarding product migration, system requirements, and installation program usage. Additionally, a product and tools tour may be provided, as well as a link to product update information at a manufacturer's Internet site. In an illustrated example, the controls are implemented as graphical buttons and each button is accompanied with a brief description of the installation information accessed through the button, as well as a graphic suggesting the nature of the installation information.

Abstract: The present invention automatically formats input data compatible for use with a workstation application into formatted input data compatible with a host application. The input data is in one example updated to include customized settings, such as setup options. After the update, a format module, incorporated within the application, confirms completion of the update and automatically creates a formatted input data file which is compatible with the host application. A user interface is provided to allow selection of file identification and delivery options for the formatted input data. The formatted input data may be stored in a single location, such as on a host, where it can be used with both a workstation and the host. Formatting of the input data may be automatic and transparent to the user. User implementation of file identification and delivery options allows for convenient manipulation of the formatted input data.

Abstract: A user-generated documentation integration system operates in conjunction with a software application created by a manufacturer and executable on a computer processor for the benefit of a user. A documentation repository or group of documentation repositories may be provided for storing user-generated documentation relating to the software application. The software application may also include a linker module that maintains a link to a documentation repository so a user may access the user-generated documentation from within the software application. The user-generated documentation may comprise user help files pertaining to the software application. The user help files may be accessed through a window available within the software application, which is adapted to display a listing of available user help files that are individually selectable from the listing by a user for presentation on a display device.