Abstract: An operating system providing a service application that prevents the malicious alteration and deletion of computer files. The system including a computer configured to store a plurality of files in a mass storage sector on the computer. A plurality of computer applications operable with the computer are stored in the mass storage sector. A service application is operably associated with the operating system. The service application is configured to protect a set of files from malicious alteration and deletion. The set of files are selected from the plurality of files. The service application receives the following information, (i) target file name, (ii) process name, and (iii) file access permission, to set up protection for the set of files. The service application securely maintains the information in the mass storage sector.

Abstract: A computer-implementable method, system, and computer-usable medium for implementing remote access and control of registered personal appliances via instant messaging. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a user registers at least one appliance as a client with an instant messaging server, logs into said instant messaging server, interacts with said at least one appliance via an instant messenger interface.

Abstract: A method of automatically locking a client can include a step of a client automatically establishing a heartbeat interval. A determination can be automatically made regarding whether a proper server response is received within the heartbeat interval. When no proper response is received, the client can be automatically placed in a locked state. All client functions accessible by a user other than those functions relating to unlocking the client can be disabled while the client is in the locked state. A remotely located server can unlock the client by conveying an unlock message to the client.

Abstract: A method for automatically defining acronyms can include a step of a user receiving an electronic communication. The electronic communication can include text. The text can include at least one acronym. The text can be displayed within a graphical user interface (GUI) viewable by the user. A positioning of a pointer proximate to the displayed acronym can be detected. A pop-up can be automatically presented. The pop-up can include an expansion of the displayed acronym.

Abstract: A method for indicating that a content page is scrollable can include the step of displaying a content page within a display area. A determination can be made that at least a portion of the displayed content page is scrollable. Responsive to the determination, a flyover can be displayed to indicate that the content page is scrollable, where the flyover can be a graphical user interface (GUI) object independent of the content page. The flyover can be a fixed object that appears on top of other windows in the GUI.