Abstract: Users scanning listings of items are able to easily and quickly read each item in a list without actually leaving the list, as would be the case when following a regular hypertext link. The contents of each link are displayed in a separate, smaller viewing window that maintains a stable position and is of a size appropriate for viewing both the contents of the window and the list of items at the same time. The viewing window is activated via selection of an icon associated with an item in the list (each item preferably has at least one associated icon). This icon also is used to navigate the content of each link.