Abstract: A networked machine has a network interface to provide connectivity to a network. The network interface hosts a first network connection that receives geolocation information from users operating common client applications on client machines, and a second network connection that accesses credit data for the users from creditor machines. A processor is connected to the network interface. A memory is connected to the processor. The memory stores instructions executed by the processor to analyze consideration transfer input from a sending user in a common geolocation as one or more potential recipient users, authorize a transaction based upon the consideration transfer input, transfer funds between an account associated with the sending user and an account associated with a recipient user, and notify, via network communications, the sending user and the recipient user of the transaction.

Abstract: A system for an interactive and social search engine includes a search component responding to a user's search request for generating a listing of search results including site addresses. A display component displays the listing along with a rating control for each site address in the listing. A rating component accepts inputs from the rating control to affect an order of the listing where a change in a rating of a site address dynamically controls the displaying of the listing and subsequent search requests. A browsing control component scrolls through and vies content of each site address in the listing. A chat component conducts organized communication sessions between users of the system. A communication component conducts communication between users of the system in real-time. A detection component detects concurrent users of the system requesting substantially similar searches and establishes communication between the concurrent users.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus are directed to providing a graphical user interface over a network. A first selection of a button within a taskbar at a client is detected. A local menu of services is displayed in a display area that is visually independent of the taskbar. A second selection of a upload button displayed within the local menu is detected. In response, an upload of a file is enabled from the client to a directory on the server associated with one of a plurality of categories of services. A configuration of the local menu is received at the server. A request for a display of a menu at a client is also received. The menu is provided to the client over the network for display in a browser at the client based on the received configuration. The menu may include buttons for another plurality of categories of services.

Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) for a computer desktop environment that provides access to a plurality of services through a menu that is displayed in a large portion of the desktop environment independent of a taskbar. The menu comprises one or more icons arranged in a pattern and that represent application programs, access to configuration settings, access to data files, and/or access to a submenu. A submenu comprises one or more images arranged in a pattern relative to an associated icon and represent additional services and/or further menu levels. A submenu is displayed when a user hovers a cursor over the associated icon or with other indications. A system configuration cache defines relationships between menu levels and points to graphic data comprising the menu and submenus. A menu manager controls interaction with the menu and enables desktop shortcuts to be toggled on and off.