Abstract: User Assistants are software programs that prompt the customer for information about user's current system by examining system files and other sources of data; store information about the user in a repository for later retrieval or for access by other assistants; present customized instructions to the user on actions to take to complete planning, configuration, and management tasks; perform actions on behalf of the user (e.g., run programs, send e-mail requests, ship order forms) and track the user's progress through planning, configuration, and management tasks. The present invention provides customized output to support the implementation of a User Assistant. This output may be documentation, instructional steps, programs, or parameter files. This output is produced by combining product data, user input, and product rules.

Abstract: User Assistants are software programs that prompt the customer for information about user's current system by examining system files and other sources of data; store information about the user in a repository for later retrieval or for access by other assistants; present customized instructions to the user on actions to take to complete planning, configuration, and management tasks; perform actions on behalf of the user (e.g., run programs, send e-mail requests, ship order forms) and track the user's progress through planning, configuration, and management tasks. The present invention provides customized output to support the implementation of a User Assistant. This output may be documentation, instructional steps, programs, or parameter files. This output is produced by combining product data, user input, and product rules. The current invention allows for cross-product dependencies to be included in the product rules and, thus, embodied in the customized procedures.

Abstract: A support computer controls operation of a data processing computer, the support computer includes: a video display monitor, an input device for making selections from video display monitor, and a processor. A first program runs on the processor for displaying a display screen on the monitor. The display screen includes an identification of the data processing computer or a component thereof, a status field, and a plurality of action selection categories including an action selection category used to operate the data processing computer. The first program is responsive to a selection of the action selection category to operate the data processing computer, for displaying a pull down of action functions within the action selection category. A second program runs on the processor and reads a selection made via the input device from the action selection category to activate the data processing computer and generates an activate signal.