Abstract: In a web application, a user computer that executes a browser presents a help window on a monitor associated with the user computer, simultaneously with displaying portions of a web page obtained by the browser from a server, to enable a user of the user computer to view the help information without interfering with the user's interaction with the web page. The displayed help information pertains not to the browser itself, but to the web page.

Abstract: According to the preferred embodiment, a computer system and method for providing access to a software application from a web browser over the WWW is disclosed. The system includes one or more computers executing a web browser, a web server application, an application gateway, and a software application. The system and method allows a user of the web browser to access the software application. The user inputs data via the web browser, which is communicated to the web server application, which passes the input to a CGI module. Based upon the web browser input, the CGI selects an HTML template containing at least one variable. The variable is passed to an application gateway which requests a value for the variable from the software application. The value is passed back to the CGI and inserted into the HTML template in place of the variable. The completed HTML template is then sent back to the web browser.

Abstract: A computer system and method provides access to a software application from a web browser over the world-wide web (WWW). The system includes one or more computers executing a web browser, a web server application, an application gateway, and a software application. The system and method allows a user of the web browser to access the software application. The user inputs data via the web browser, which is communicated to the web server application. The web server application authenticates the web browser and passes appropriate input data to an application gateway, including data to uniquely identify and track the user's request. The application gateway then performs the function requested in the web server input data by formatting the appropriate commands with the software application. The software application responds by outputting data to the application gateway that includes an identifier that the application gateway uses to match the output data with the web browser that requested the output data.

Abstract: An enhanced document browsing method and apparatus for creating a form from a template that includes replication blocks, that replicates at least one field in at least one replication block characterized by a block name to generate at least first and second replicated fields; modifies the block name to generate a first field name; modifies the block name to generate a second field name; associates the field names with respective ones of the first and second replicated fields; counts the number of replications; and transmits the number of replications to at least one client computer.

Abstract: An enhanced document browsing method and apparatus. A browser at a client interprets a work-frame code, information, a control-frame code, and a control-object function that identifies the control-frame code. When the browser interprets the work-frame and control-frame codes, it divides the browser window into two frames: a work-frame and a control-frame. When the browser interprets the information, the browser displays the information to the user in the work-frame. When the browser interprets the control-object function, the browser displays a control-object in the control-frame associated with the control-frame code. The control-object can allow the user to control the information in the work-frame. Since the control-object is in the control-frame instead of being only in the work-frame, it is always in view and available to the user, regardless of the scrolling position of the page of information within the work-frame.

Abstract: An enhanced document browsing method and apparatus for requesting transactions of transient programs at a server, that sends a first transaction to a server that requests first data from a first transient program; receives the first data from the server; inserts the first data into an entry field; and requests a second transaction from a second transient program by sending the first data to the server.

Abstract: The present invention provides the capability to easily access many different application programs over the WWW via a common user interface. By providing standard procedures, routines, tools, and software "hooks" for accessing software applications over the WWW, software developers can concentrate on the functionality of the application program and easily use HTML to provide a GUI interface for the application program. HTML is a well-known language which can be used by almost any computer system on the market today. In addition, since HTML is a fairly well controlled and standardized language, new software application features can be added as they are developed and supported by HTML. In addition, since HTML is a widely adopted, non-proprietary technology, the present invention can provide open access to a large market for even very small software developers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method of workstation configuration that includes a multi-level hierarchy management of preferences which are essentially managed and stored with a file server, rather than with each individual workstation. The invention comprises a computer network that includes workstations that have configurable hardware devices and software applications; a workstation server connected to the workstations that includes hierarchical preference files containing configuration information; and a preference manager for providing a coalesced, or merged, set of configuration parameters to the workstations based on the information in the hierarchical preference files.

Abstract: A license key with method of implementation is disclosed. The license key is used for accessing a licensed product on an enterprise computer system. Typically, the enterprise computer system includes a plurality of computer systems, but the computer systems are not necessarily interconnected. A first identifier code from the enterprise computer system, such as the system serial number, is used for allowing the license key to identify the enterprise. A second identifier code from a computer within the enterprise system is used, which is typically a serial number from the computer to identify it to the license key as being part of the enterprise system. Lastly, a third identifier code is used, which is selected from the licensed product to be used on the enterprise system and is tied to the enterprise system number, thereby allowing the licensed program to be accessed on the enterprise system with only a single key, irrespective of the number of computers accessing the licensed program.