Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for displaying a topological graph that allows a user to navigate through a history of previous topology displays to increase the user's understanding and awareness of the state of the topology. In a preferred embodiment, a topology display mechanism receives state changes to a topology of a computer network and stores a sequence of graphs that reflect the changes that are made to the topology. The topology display mechanism also allows the user to step through the sequence of stored topology graphs using “video” type controls to change the display of the topology graphs. In other embodiments, the topology display mechanism displays the changes in the topology as a sequence of graphs that form an animation to give the user a graphical visualization of the changes from one topology graph in the sequence to the next.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for displaying a topological graph that allows a user to navigate through a history of previous topology displays to increase the user's understanding and awareness of the state of the topology. In a preferred embodiment, a topology display mechanism receives state changes to a topology of a computer network and stores a sequence of graphs that reflect the changes that are made to the topology. The topology display mechanism also allows the user to step through the sequence of stored topology graphs using “video” type controls to change the display of the topology graphs. In other embodiments, the topology display mechanism displays the changes in the topology as a sequence of graphs that form an animation to give the user a graphical visualization of the changes from one topology graph in the sequence to the next.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed which permit the presentation of single and double digit selection field in a non-programmable terminal. Multiple numeric characters associated with particular textual choices are coupled to a workstation controller interface along with an identified offset within each textual choice to a selected mnemonic character. If an associated terminal display device does not support more advanced graphic elements, such as so-called "radio buttons" and underscored mnemonics, the numeric characters and textual choices are entered into a format table entry and utilized to specify a selection field within the terminal display. A single or double digit numeric indicator area is then defined within the terminal display and numeric entries within the selection field are displayed within the numeric indicator area, permitting the user to visually affirm what textual choice will be selected upon entry.