Abstract: Methods and credit or debit card systems are disclosed that allow the available credit to be determined by someone other than the card issuer and that allow a limit to be set on the number of expenditures that can be made. The methods and systems can be used to provide a mechanism for supervising credit or debit card usage. Methods and systems are disclosed which include a child's credit card account linked to a parent's credit or debit card account. The parent may change the child's available credit without changing the total combined available credit for the child's and the parent's accounts. In addition, an expenditure counter figure associated with the child's account is disclosed which can be used by the parent to enable the child to make an unlimited number of purchases, a limited number of purchases, or no purchases. The parent may make a single payment for both the child's and the parent's credit card accounts.

Abstract: Multiple selections of text are provided while allowing swipe and type editing operations. A normal typing cursor is displayed to indicate where newly input text will be inserted. A portion of text may be selected to conduct editing operations thereon. When the text has been selected, it is so designated by selected emphasis. The cursor is changed from the normal cursor to a second cursor. The second cursor has a shape that is different than the normal cursor and indicates that subsequent typing will activate the swipe and type operation on the selected text. When the second cursor is moved, it reverts back to the normal cursor. Other portions of text can be selected by the cursor, wherein the normal cursor becomes the second cursor again. Actions can be performed simultaneously on the multiple selections of text. Typing operations support both insert and replace typing modes.

Abstract: A method of indicating the position of multiple selections of objects in a windowed computer user interface. The method includes displaying objects to be selected in a window which includes a scroll bar. When objects in the window are selected, a marker icon is automatically placed in the scroll bar in response to such selection.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and system for directly manipulating an icon in a data processing system. The method includes attaching a visual pointer to the icon and moving the pointer with the icon attached thereto about the display screen. While the pointer remains attached to the icon, the user can manipulate other software objects.

Abstract: A method and system for creating objects in a computer system having a display screen and a device for manipulating objects on the screen. The method includes displaying an object dispenser icon on the screen and a dispensable object mini-icon on the object dispenser icon. Objects may be created by dragging dispensable object icons out of the object dispenser icon, or by opening the dispensable object mini-icon. The objects dispensed by the dispenser may be modified by opening the object dispenser icon or by "dropping" a modified object icon on the dispenser icon. The dispenser icon may be moved about the display screen.