Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates accessing information during a modal operation. The system operates by presenting an initial window for an application to a user in a display. The system then presents a subsequent window in the display for another function related to the application. During this process, the system presents these two windows in proximity to each other, and ensures that this proximity is maintained, even across user changes to one or both windows. At a later point, during operation, the system receives an input from the user that results in a modal operation for the application that restricts user changes to and/or user control of the initial window during the modal operation. Despite this modal operation, the system remains able to receive a subsequent input for the subsequent window from the user and, in response, update information displayed in the subsequent window during the modal operation.

Abstract: In a graphical user interface for accessing a large number of files, such as text files, graphics files, or spreadsheets, a system allows quick glances of “thumbnails” or highly reduced versions of the files. When a folder is opened, every file in the folder is opened as a background operation and thumbnail data, such as a reduced image or text summary of the file, is derived and retained in a cache folder for quick access. When a cursor is touched, without a mouse-click, to a particular icon in the opened folder, the thumbnail for the file identified by the icon is accessed from the cache folder and displayed.

Abstract: A user interface has a main module and a plurality of panel modules. The main module presents the user interface on the display screen to a user. The plurality of panel modules are in communication with the main module. Each panel module presents a panel interface on the display screen to the user. Each panel module is individually configurable and each panel is configurable as part of the user interface presented by the main module.

Abstract: A user interface has a main module and a plurality of panel modules. The main module presents the user interface on the display screen to a user. The plurality of panel modules are in communication with the main module. Each panel module presents a panel interface on the display screen to the user. Each panel module is individually configurable and each panel module is configurable as part of the user interface presented by the main module. In the preferred embodiment, the displayed user interface and individual panel interfaces may be varied in size in two dimensions. The user interface can be displayed with a vertical or horizontal orientation. Also, a calendar and resource gauge with unique features are included among the panel interfaces.

Abstract: A dashboard interface includes a plurality of software buttons provided on a panel. Each software button represents one of a plurality of applications. Upon a user selecting a first software button, a first application represented by the first software button is started. Upon a user selecting and dragging a visual representation of a second application to the panel, a new software button representing the second application is added to the panel. Upon a user selecting a different software button size in a configuration menu, the size of each software button in the plurality of software buttons is changed. The plurality of applications are listed in a configuration menu. The order in which the plurality of software buttons is displayed on the panel reflects the order of the listing of the plurality of applications. Upon a user changing the order of the listing of the plurality of applications, the order in which the plurality of software buttons is displayed on the panel is changed.