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Method and apparatus for simplifying active window selection, application activation, and shared command execution in a multi-application environment

  • US 5,826,051 A
  • Filed: 12/27/1995
  • Issued: 10/20/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/27/1995
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of simplifying active window selection and shared command execution in a computer system, wherein a plurality of applications can be executed concurrently in the computer system, the method comprising the steps of:

  • (a) generating a menu associated with a first application of the plurality of applications which is executing in a currently active window of a plurality of windows being displayed, wherein the menu identifies a subset of the plurality of applications whose corresponding windows can be made currently active, and wherein each application of the subset of applications is installed but at least one is currently not executing in the computer system;

    (b) displaying an identifier of the menu in the currently active window to allow user selection of the menu;

    (c) receiving a selection identifying one of the subset of applications of the menu; and

    (d) making a window corresponding to the identified one of the subset of applications a currently active window.

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