Abstract: A system and method for efficiently searching directory listing information to obtain more relevant results is provided. In a computer system running a computing application, it is advantageous to provide search capabilities, in the form of a search engine, to operators to assist them in their effort of retrieving desired data. The search engine may cooperate with a data store having directory listing information to provide listings data to an operator. In an illustrative implementation, this search engine may be deployed on an Internet Web site that offers business listing information. The search system may comprise a user interface to enter search query information, a data store that houses a variety of directory listing information according to a predefined data taxonomy, and a means for displaying the search results.

Abstract: A method and system for managing window configurations of a desktop configuration is provided. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a TopDesk system persistently saves the window configurations of currently-active programs of the computer system. These saved window configurations compose a saved desktop configuration. The TopDesk system displays within its window a representation of the saved desktop configuration. Each saved window configuration is displayed as a rectangle (called a ghost window) that is representative of the size and location of the saved window configuration. Each displayed rectangle preferably contains the title of the actual window for the corresponding program. The TopDesk system allows a user to move the displayed rectangles to modify the saved desktop configuration. The TopDesk system allows a user to activate a saved desktop configuration.