Abstract: A computer-implemented messaging application (e.g., e-mail, browser, paging) lists messages addressed to a user in a graphical message window of a graphical user interface. The message window lists both read and unread messages. The read messages are displayed visually differently than the unread messages to distinguish between the two types. A highlight bar identifies a particular message in the list. The message window has a preview pane in which the highlighted message can be previewed by a user without opening that message into a separate window. Heuristics are employed to determine whether the user is likely to be reading the message while it is displayed in the preview pane. For instance, scrolling the message in the preview pane is evidence that the user is likely to be reading the message. If any heuristic condition is met, the message is marked as read.

Abstract: A microcontroller fabricated on a semiconductor chip has an on-chip EPROM program memory with programmable EPROM configuration fuses located in a limited number of addresses of the on-chip program memory, the condition of each of EPROM fuse being defined as blown or not blown according to the value of the bit stored in the respective address of the on-chip program memory. The operating modes of the microcontroller are configurable by appropriately programming at least some of the EPROM fuses. Testing of the microcontroller in at least some of the operating modes is achieved by using latches outside the program memory to emulate the EPROM fuses, while suppressing the capability to set the condition of the EPROM fuses during the testing. Upon completion of the testing, control of the operating modes of the microcontroller is returned to the EPROM fuses, and the latches are precluded from further emulating the EPROM fuses.

Abstract: A microcontroller fabricated on a semiconductor chip has an on-chip EPROM program memory. The microcontroller is selectively configurable to operate in any one of a plurality of predetermined operating modes, including at least one secure microcontroller mode. A plurality of EPROM configuration fuses used for configuring the microcontroller and protecting its program memory from read, verify or write through any instruction initiated from other than a predetermined secure area of the chip, are mapped into the on-chip EPROM program memory as bits in respective address locations thereof. The value of a bit representing any one of said fuses is effective to determine the condition of the respective fuse. That condition is observed by reading the value of the respective bit for that fuse stored in the EPROM program memory.