Abstract: Three modes of moving and copying an object within an application or between applications are provided to a computer system having a graphical user interface. The three modes of moving/copying are: a) unmodified move and unmodified or modified copy from a data pane of a first display window to a "destination bin" of a second display window, b) unmodified copy from a "source bin" of a first display window to a data pane of a second display window, and 3) unmodified copy from a "source bin" of a first display window to a "destination bin" of a second display window. The three modes of moving/copying are performed with a CPU coupled to a display device, a cursor control device and a keyboard. Visual feedback is provided to the user throughout the different modes of moving and copying.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for browsing through a computer database on a computer system with a graphical user interface. The information to be browsed is displayed on a display screen. A browsing tool which resembles a magnifying glass is displayed on the display screen on top of the information. The browsing tool has a viewing lens with targeting crosshair and a "magnifying" reticle. When the browsing tool is moved about the screen, the information on the screen is shown in normal form. When the browsing tool comes to a rest, the information within the viewing lens of the browsing tool is modified depending on the current browsing tool mode. When the browsing tool is in magnification mode, the information within magnifying reticle is enhanced such that it fills the entire viewing lens of the browsing tool. When the browsing tool is in hierarchical browsing mode, the next lower level of the hierarchy is displayed within the viewing lens of the browsing tool.