Abstract: A client-based filtering system compares portions of incoming and/or outgoing messages to filtering information in a filter database, and determines whether to block or allow incoming and/or outgoing transmissions of messages in response to the comparison. In response to a match between the portion of the message and the filtering information, the system can employ one of a number of different specified blocking options. The system has an update server that is accessible over the Internet and that has new filtering information for updating the filter database. The filter database can have a filter database stored on a server in a network coupled to the client.

Abstract: A data processing system comprises a first selection device for selecting a plurality of characters of a first set, the characters of the first set each being defined by a bit map of first predetermined dimensions. A second selection device is capable of selecting a plurality of characters of a second set, the characters of the second set each being defined by a bit map of second predetermined dimensions greater than the first predetermined dimensions. A display device is capable of displaying the selected characters of the first and second sets, and a control device is responsive to the first and second selection devices for controlling the display device to display the selected characters of the first set in a first display area and the selected characters of the second set in a second display area, the first dislay area representing a page of text of characters of the first set, and the second display area representing a magnified portion of the page of text comprised of characters of the second set.

Abstract: A message communication system which provides instant messages and memoranda at a telephone user's desk. In an office complex, a message is transmitted over pre-existing office power lines to printers located in a user's office and is automatically posted with time of day, date and sequence number. When a telephone call cannot be completed, messages are entered at the terminal by a telephone operator or message attendant. A computer automatically formats message forms and stores the text on a magnetic diskette. Messages are transmitted to outlying printers and can be recalled for display or resending at any time.

Abstract: A thermal message printer for printing a wide block of text which is produced with low cost printheads. The printer includes a thermal printer having a first number of fixed printheads equal in number to the lines to be printed on thermographic paper. Each of the fixed printheads has a second number of dot elements which are energized in a column fashion according to a pattern of dots to be energized from a matrix of dots for each of the characters. Control means are included for sequentially energizing selected ones of the dot heads in order to form the series of characters such that a wide block of text is printed.

Abstract: A data processing system comprises a first storage device for storing character font data representative of a plurality of characters, each character being represented by the font data as a bit map of predetermined dimensions, the plurality of characters being stored in an ordered storage sequence. An image presentation device is capable of visually presenting an image comprised of preselected ones of the characters on a predetermined background area. A second storage device is capable of storing a bit map representation of the image, and a visual control device is capable of controlling the image presentation device to visually present the image in accordance with the character font data stored in the bit map representation of the image in the second storage device.