Abstract: A system and method for providing pluggable authentication and access control in computer systems and services are described. The authentication and access control process may be categorized into three components: an authentication protocol, a user repository and an access control model. In one embodiment, the authentication and access control mechanism may be implemented as three pluggable modules: an authentication protocol handler module for the authenticator side, an authentication protocol handler for the side to be authenticated, and an access control context module on the authenticator side. The pluggable modules may be exchangeable to support a variety of authentication types, user repositories, and access control models. The authentication protocol handlers provide symmetrical methods to handle requests and responses in the authentication process that reflect the symmetrical nature of the authentication process.

Abstract: A system and method for providing pluggable authentication and access control in computer systems and services are described. The authentication and access control process may be categorized into three components: an authentication protocol, a user repository and an access control model. In one embodiment, the authentication and access control mechanism may be implemented as three pluggable modules: an authentication protocol handler module for the authenticator side, an authentication protocol handler for the side to be authenticated, and an access control context module on the authenticator side. The pluggable modules may be exchangeable to support a variety of authentication types, user repositories, and access control models. The authentication protocol handlers provide symmetrical methods to handle requests and responses in the authentication process that reflect the symmetrical nature of the authentication process.

Abstract: A system employs a sliding window panel that contains icons representing every task that has been opened into a window, regardless of the workspace in which it exists. A user may use the sliding window panel to launch, terminate, hide, or resize windows in the workspaces.

Abstract: Methods, software and data structures for installing a component in a container suitable for display on a display screen as part of a graphical user interface are disclosed. In one embodiment, a name and desired location for a component are provided. Both the desired component and a component object table that is to be associated with the component are then created. The component object table is arranged to identify both the location and identity of the component. The component object table is then referenced in a container lookup table arranged to associate the component object table with a container at the desired location. In a preferred embodiment, the container is a sliding panel associated with a window suitable for display on the monitor. The sliding panel is capable of supporting a plurality of handles that act as independent sub-containers.

Abstract: A system allows an administrator to edit, from a client, property files that reside on a server. The client issues a request to the server for property information for an application program. After receiving the property information, the client passes it to a configuration portion of the application program, where the property information is edited by the administrator. The client receives the edited property information and sends it to the server, where it is stored.