Abstract: A method of setting up a connection in a communication environment controlled by a communication system between a first node allocated to a first contact and a second node allocated to a second contact includes the steps of providing a contact element within the first node for the first contact, the contact element having graphic and functional properties and graphically representing the second contact, an unambiguous identification and contact data being allocated to the contact element; accessing the contact data using a program and setting up a first connection from the first node to the communication system; checking within the communication system using the unambiguous identification whether the contact element is approved by the communication system for the setting-up of connections; and setting up a second connection to the second node depending on a result of the checking.

Abstract: Method and system of telecommunication between at least two users over a telecommunications network, wherein the first user is connected to the telecommunications network via a first terminal and the second user via a second terminal, and wherein a virtual representative is allocated to each user. A first virtual representative is allocated to the first user and a second virtual representative to the second user. The first and second virtual representatives are presented on the first terminal and on the second terminal.

Abstract: A method of providing a software and a service using the software to an end user includes offering to the end user the software for installation on an end user device of the end user. The end user is offered a first contract with a first service provider for using the service free of charge for an unlimited period of time. The end user is offered a second contract by a second service provider or merchant for using the service subject to charge. The user is free to shift use of service from the first service provider to the second provider or merchant.

Abstract: A system and method for offering goods, services, and/or other items of value to a user via a network includes displaying a selection of online shops to the user on a website visited by the user. The selection of the online shops depends on at least one predeterminable criterion assignable to the user. Upon a selecting of a first of the online shops by the user, the user is provided with access to the selected first online shop.

Abstract: A communication system for communicating includes a window-based graphical user interface and a graphical element. The window-based graphical user interface is displayed on a display device. The window-based graphical user interface includes an area defined as a window, and the area is displayed transparently. The graphical element includes non-transparent pixels displayed in the window.

Abstract: A method and device for providing at least one matched communication window for communication with a communication partner in an application on a terminal of a user is provided. Depending on the call of a program function, either a first communication window having a particular size and a particular functionality, or a second communication window having a different size and at least a partially different functionality is displayed. In addition, the first or second communication window is displayed depending on a type of communication provided in the program function.

Abstract: A method and device which provides a selection menu allocated to a displayed symbol is provided. A graphic display unit has a display interface and an input device that controls a pointer on the display interface. A control unit drives the display unit such that upon activation of a predefined function, selection elements are represented on the display interface so that an image form of the displayed symbol can be selected using the selection elements. The control unit also drives the display unit such that when the pointer of the input device is positioned over one of the selection elements, the selection element is animated.