Abstract: Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture for determining and managing the impact, or probable impact, of electronic-mail messages on computer resources. In one embodiment, prior to sending a first electronic mail message to a plurality of intended recipients over a network, a prospective impact of the first electronic mail message on computer resources on the network should the first electronic mail message be sent is determined.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, system, and signal-bearing medium that, in an embodiment, display icons representing search terms on a search graph, having at least one axis. The axis represents a search criteria. The position of the icon specifies a value (such as an importance or weight) of the search criteria. A search engine uses the search terms, the search criteria, and the value to conduct the search. The results of the search are displayed in a results pane, and the search results are updated as the positions of the icons on the search graph change. The search criteria associated with the axes of the search graph may also change. In this way, the user interface for the search is made easier for the user to control.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture are provided for governing the transfer of data characterizing a user's behavior, physiological parameters and/or psychological parameters. One embodiment provides a method of handling a request, from a requesting application, for emotion data characterizing an emotional state of a user. A firewall ruleset defining rules governing the transfer of the emotion data to requesting applications is accessed to determine whether to provide the emotion data the requesting application. The request is denied if the firewall ruleset rules are not satisfied.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, system, and signal-bearing medium that in an embodiment count the number of times that a file or registry entry is added, changed, or deleted at clients in a network. If the count exceeds a threshold, then a warning is sent to the clients. The warning may prompt the clients to delete or rename the file or registry entry, run an anti-virus program, quarantine the file or registry entry, or issue a message. In this way, viruses may be detected at clients.