Abstract: A computer-based medical information system includes a medical database and a user terminal having a display screen. A desktop display is generated on the display screen. The desktop display includes a desktop control panel having a home key. One or more windows containing information relating to respective application programs are generated on the desktop display in response to user inputs. The desktop display is restored to a predefined state in response to user selection of the home key. The desktop display may be restored to a predefined state by maximizing the currently-active window on the display screen and hiding all windows other than the currently-active window.