Abstract: System and method for displaying an item on a display of a computer, wherein the item represents a file installed on the computer, are described. In one embodiment, the method comprises, responsive to a determination that a usage rate of the file exceeds a predetermined minimum rate, displaying the item representative of the file on the computer display; determining whether the usage rate of the file has changed; and responsive to a determination that the usage rate of the file has changed, updating at least one visual attribute of the item representative of the file to indicate the usage rate change.

Abstract: A system and method for selfish child clustering are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises a selfish node; and a plurality of servicing nodes each connected to the selfish node, wherein the selfish node selects a first one of the servicing nodes to service requests therefrom; and wherein the selfish node evaluates a responsiveness of the first one of the servicing nodes and, responsive to a determination that the responsiveness of the first one of the servicing nodes is unacceptable, the selfish node selects a second one of the servicing nodes to service requests therefrom.

Abstract: A system and method for multi-layer distributed switching is disclosed. In one embodiment, the distributed switching system comprises an external network connection connected to a plurality of computing nodes such that data signals can be sent to and from the computing nodes. An incoming director module is associated with a first computing node and associates a data signal with a second computing node. There is a request distribution network for distributing data signals among the nodes, a response generator module, and an outgoing director module associated with the second computing node.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing an importance filter in an electronic mail message system are described. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving an incoming email message; rating the received email message in accordance with at least one criterion; and responsive to the rating, displaying in the email inbox an entry corresponding to the received email message in a manner indicative of a result of the rating.