Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for improving installation of software suites by including topological information pertaining to the run-time environment of products in the suite. A model and framework are described, where the objects of the data model include one or more preferred topologies. A template may be provided for each topology, with which an installer enters data values for customizing this topology. The approach disclosed herein enables more efficient and flexible software installation than is available in the prior art, by adapting the installation process for a particular topology of a destination run-time environment. Using the disclosed techniques, a solution builder is able for the first time to enforce or recommend the topology which is most efficient for this end solution. (For example, the solution builder may specify the types of machines which comprise a preferred run-time environment for the software products in the suite.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the graphic association of a user dialog display with its primary application in a data processing system. A unique miniature graphic representation, or icon, is created for each primary application within a data processing system which has a plurality of primary applications simultaneously active therein. Thereafter, each time a user dialog for a selected primary application is displayed within a window, a copy of the unique miniature graphic representation of the selected primary application is displayed, in a normally unused portion of the user dialog window, thereby permitting a user to readily identify the association between the user dialog window and its underlying primary application. In a depicted embodiment of the present invention, the selection of a unique miniature graphic representation within a user dialog window, utilizing a graphic pointing device, will result in the creation of a textual display identifying the primary application by name.

Abstract: A reusable isolated undo/redo service provides application programs with an undo/redo function. Each application that will use the service is registered. Whenever a registered application performs an action that can be undone, it forms a packet and gives the packet to the service. Whenever the user of a registered application wishes to undo or redo an action, the undo or redo processing is performed by the service.

Abstract: A method of implementing a preview window in an object oriented programming system that includes an application having at least a first panel and a second panel that are selectively displayable on a display screen. The second panel displays underlying information and the first panel displays an abbreviated representation of the underlying information. The user can temporarily display a preview window that contains underlying information while viewing the first panel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for scheduling and confirming meetings in a data processing system which includes stored calendars for prospective attendees. A prompting screen is presented to a scheduler with blanks for keying in a desired meeting parameters including at least: a list of desired attendees; a desired date range; and a desired time span. A prompting screen is also presented to each prospective attendee to permit an attendee to key in attendee confirmation parameters which specify the conditions under which the prospective attendee will agree to attend a desired meeting. In a depicted embodiment of the present invention, a prospective attendee may identify selected attendees who must or must not attend a desired meeting in order to confirm the prospective attendees attendance at that meeting.