Abstract: A system including a server, a computer system, and a device coupled to a port of the computer system is provided. The server includes a script associated with an identifier. The device includes the identifier. The computer system is configured to read the identifier from the device, provide the identifier to the server, and cause a script associated with the identifier to be executed to cause one or more software components to be installed onto the computer system.

Abstract: One embodiment is a system and method for facilitating factory-installation of software in a build-to-order (“BTO”) manufacturing environment using a web-based software distribution system. Subsequent to physical assembly, the minimum software required for a computer to boot up and operate and connect to the Internet is installed on the hard drive thereof. Upon initial boot-up of the computer, a “Web-Based Install” (“WBI”) icon is displayed on the desktop interface element thereof. Clicking on this icon causes the computer to be connected to a secure website of the computer manufacturer (“Internet boot facility”). An ID number identifying the particular computer is then automatically provided to the Internet boot facility and a page including a list of all of the software which the customer purchased for the identified computer is displayed to the customer. The customer may select one or more programs to be downloaded to and installed on the computer by clicking on the associated link(s) or icon(s).

Abstract: A system including a server, a computer system, and a device coupled to a port of the computer system is provided. The server includes a script associated with an identifier. The device includes the identifier. The computer system is configured to read the identifier from the device, provide the identifier to the server, and cause a script associated with the identifier to be executed to cause one or more software components to be installed onto the computer system.

Abstract: Multiple blocks of noncontiguous text displayed in a user interface may be selected by a user and simultaneously manipulated. Actuation of the multiple text selection control by the user creates an array of buffers, with each buffer allocated for one of the noncontiguous blocks of text selected by the user. A paste operation results in the contents of the buffers being concatenated and pasted together as one block. A delete operation results in all selected blocks of text being simultaneously deleted. Other operations may also be performed simultaneously on the multiple blocks of noncontiguous text selected by the user.

Abstract: A method and system for marking and subsequently retrieving a collection of objects contained within a compound document. The compound document is displayed within a graphical user interface within a data processing system. The graphical user interface includes a scroll bar. A collection of objects within a portion of the compound document may be selected by a user. Thereafter, a horizontal line is displayed within the scroll bar which corresponds to the relative location of the collection of objects within the compound document. Next, in response to a user input, a dialog box is displayed at a location adjacent the horizontal line. The graphical user interface next prompts a user to enter within the dialog box a label and attributes of the collection of objects.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, a uniquely programmed computer system, and a memory embodying detailed logic for directing a computer system to independently rotate a polyhedron display container about several axis. The computer-implemented method includes the steps of displaying a panel container on a display and, in response to a first command from user controls to select a first front panel in the panel container, horizontally rotating the first front panel to a central column if the first front panel is not in the central column. The method also includes the step of in response to the first command to select a second front panel, vertically rotating the second front panel to the central row if the second front panel is not in the central row.