Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) for presenting representations of selected objects in a computer system. The GUI presents an object selected from a collection of objects using a selected visual representation selected from at least first and second visual representations to be initiated using different initiation techniques. A first input control causes the selected object to be presented using another visual representation instead of the selected visual representation. A second input control causes another object to be presented instead of the selected object using any visual configuration that is currently used in presenting the selected object. The first and second input controls may be located in an object header area that remains essentially unchanged when changing between the at least first and second visual representations.

Abstract: In a computer system having several application programs, wherein each application program is configured to manage at least one of several object types, a method of identifying objects includes receiving a first input that a user makes under guidance of an input control in a graphical user interface (GUI) to specify 1) a user-selected object type, 2) a user-selected attribute that is associated with the user-selected object type, and 3) a user-selected attribute value for the user-selected attribute. The method includes executing a search in the computer system for any objects corresponding to the first input. The method includes initiating a first application program that is configured to manage objects of the user-selected object type, wherein the first application program presents a result of the search in the GUI. The input control may remain visible with the application, for executing a new search for the same or another object type.

Abstract: In a computer system having several application programs, wherein each application program is configured to manage at least one of several object types, a method of identifying objects includes receiving a first input that a user makes under guidance of an input control in a graphical user interface (GUI) to specify 1) a user-selected object type, 2) a user-selected attribute that is associated with the user-selected object type, and 3) a user-selected attribute value for the user-selected attribute. The method includes executing a search in the computer system for any objects corresponding to the first input. The method includes initiating a first application program that is configured to manage objects of the user-selected object type, wherein the first application program presents a result of the search in the GUI. The input control may remain visible with the application, for executing a new search for the same or another object type.

Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) for presenting representations of selected objects in a computer system. The GUI presents an object selected from a collection of objects using a selected visual representation selected from at least first and second visual representations to be initiated using different initiation techniques. A first input control causes the selected object to be presented using another visual representation instead of the selected visual representation. A second input control causes another object to be presented instead of the selected object using any visual configuration that is currently used in presenting the selected object. The first and second input controls may be located in an object header area that remains essentially unchanged when changing between the at least first and second visual representations.