Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC

Benjamin Waldman

Samuel D Hobson

Adrian C Klein

Erich S Finkelstein

A method for managing simultaneous display of multiple windows in a graphical user interface (GUI). A computer system with a display and user interface input device displays a primary or container window on the display, comprising a predetermined region for displaying information and/or receiving user commands associated with a first computer process. The system displays a target window comprising a predetermined region for displaying information and/or receiving user commands associated with a different computer process. The target window is typically displayed in a higher z-order relative to the primary window to maintain it on top. In response to a predetermined triggering condition, the target window is manipulated by movement, temporary disappearance, and/or size reduction, while maintaining the relative z-order of the target window relative to the primary window and away from a predetermined avoidance region associated with the first computer process. The target window can be moved away a minimal distance, biased in a predetermined direction, or positioned at anchor points relative to the container window to avoid obscuring the avoidance region.

Method for managing simultaneous display of multiple windows in a

Installing for use with a computer a file on demand using a preview file. A feature of a program is represented by a preview file and a feature file. The feature file contains all the components necessary to support the feature. The preview file contains a subset of the feature file. Only the preview file is initially installed. The preview file may be used to preview and select the feature. If the feature is selected, then the feature file is installed and the preview file is deleted.

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Benjamin Waldman