Abstract: A system for presenting an alternate view of computer windows on a display device. Upon selection by a user, the system presents the alternate view, which may include a top, side, or bottom view of the windows. These alternate views are indicators, such as title bars, corresponding to the windows and presented in relative position to another as if the user were looking at the tops, sides, or bottoms of the windows. The user may also manipulate the windows in the alternate view, and the system alters a normal view of the windows accordingly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for logically organizing windows displayed on a display screen. The amount of time each of the windows presented to the display screen is active (also known as "in focus") is monitored. Upon receipt of a command from the user, the windows that were active a longer length of time are displayed more distinctively than windows that were active a shorter length of time. More specifically, windows are displayed on the display screen having a window size proportional, to the length of time each of the window were active. For example, a window that was active 40% of the time will have a size that is 40% of the specified window tiling area. Windows that have not been active long enough to exceed a minimum window tiling threshold are displayed as icons outside of or under the specified window tiling area and are not included in the calculations of percentage of activity of the windows.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aiding a user in identifying particular windows on a display screen. The amount of time each of the windows presented to the display screen is active (also known as "in focus") is monitored. Upon receipt of a command from the user, the windows that were active a longer length of time are displayed more distinctively than windows that were active a shorter length of time. Active windows can be displayed more distinctively in many different ways. One such way is by placing the most active window in the upper left corner of the screen and placing the rest of the windows in a descending order of activity from left to right and top to bottom on the screen. Another way is to cascade the windows, where the windows are cascaded in a descending order of activity from the front to the back of the window stack. Yet another way is to generate a list of window titles associated with each window, in a descending order of activity from the top of the list to the bottom of the list.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for permitting a user of a data processing system to display particular ones of multiple overlapping graphic objects. A subregion within a display is specified by the user. A set of overlapping graphic objects which are at least partially displayed within the subregion is then determined. The specified display order of only these graphic objects which are at least partially displayed with the specified subregion is temporarily altered, in response to a user input.

Abstract: The invention relates to the selective protection of blocks of text or other portions of a shared data object in collaborative computer based system from simultaneous manipulation by two or more users. The collaborative computer based system includes a network connecting a plurality of terminals for communication. Each terminal includes an output display device and a user input device. The collaborative computer based system includes a shared data object simultaneously accessible by a plurality of users of the system. Responsive to a user obtaining access to the shared data object, the user is assigned a cursor available for display on the visual display devices of all current users. A user may attempt to protect portions of the shared data object with a lock region by selecting position coordinates for such a lock region.

Abstract: The invention provides for protecting floating blocks of text or other portions of a shared data object in collaborative computer based system from simultaneous manipulation originating with two or more users. The collaborative computer based system includes a network connecting a plurality of terminals for communication. Each terminal includes an output display device and a user input device. A shared data object simultaneously accessible by a plurality of users of the system. Responsive to a user obtaining access to the shared data object, the user is assigned a cursor available for display on the visual display devices of all current users. Responsive to movement by a user of his or her cursor, an attempt is made to establish a lock region in the shared data object by determining position coordinates. If the position coordinates do not include any portion of any previously established lock region, a lock region associated with the user's cursor may be established.

Abstract: The method may be utilized for providing identification of blocks of text or other portions of a shared data object in a collaborative computer based system. The collaborative computer based system includes a plurality of workstations. Each workstation includes an output display device and a user input device. The system includes a shared data object, simultaneously accessible by a plurality of users of the system. Responsive to a user obtaining access to the shared data object, the user is assigned a cursor for display on the visual display devices of other users. The assigned cursor has a user related visual characteristic. Responsive to user selection, previously unselected portions of the shared data object may be associated to a user. Upon such association of a portion of the shared data object, a user related visual characteristic of the establishing user is extended to the newly associated portion.