Abstract: Select areas and specific pixels of a digital video display screen may be updated at video frame rate while other areas or pixels are not updated at video frame rate. Further, select pixels may be updated more than once within the normal update timing of a single video frame. Selective updating may be accomplished by indicating data video processing requirements.

Abstract: For client/server network connectivity, clients connect to a server at a predesignated address. With client/server connectivity, if client-to-client communication is required, even for extended duration, the server acts as an intermediary or host—clients communicate with each other through the server. Herein described are processes for altering communications patterns after an initial client-server communications session has been established, specifically data transmission paths, from the nominal client-to-client communication through server intermediary known in the prior art and described foregoing, to a communication pattern of direct client-to-client communication, possibly with one or more clients dynamically assuming a hosting role analogous to that of a server, thus directly communicating with other clients, rather than continuing to use the server in an intervening manner.

Abstract: Described are methods to accommodate user interests in content available in information-rich software environments. As a dynamic process, user profiles are surreptitiously obtained by discerning and collating user interest based upon patterns of search and selection of displayed descriptor-based content. Based upon encapsulated user profiles, content characteristics of interest to users may be discerned, and content display altered to optimize individual user interest potential.