Operating methods for robust computer systems permitting autonomously

Abstract

An operating method for a computer system having first, second, third, and lternate computers generating a graphical user interface (GUI) on the first computer screen corresponding to a presentation generated with respect to the second computer screen irrespective of the operating system differences between the respective first, second, third, and alternate computers. The method includes steps for: providing a hypertext markup language (HTML) document including an applet tag corresponding to a Universal Client device from the third computer to the first computer; initializing and executing the Universal Client device using a JAVA.TM. virtual machine associated with the first computer; parsing and interpreting a script associated with the Universal Client device to thereby cause the Universal Client device to display the GUI; generating and transmitting a heartbeat signal from the second computer to the first computer; parsing and interpreting the script associated with the Universal Client device to thereby cause the Universal Client device to establish a predetermined connection between the first and the second computers when the heartbeat signal is received by the first computer and to thereby cause the Universal Client device to establish a predetermined connection between the first and the second computers when the heartbeat signal is not received by the first computer; and generating a string causing changes in the GUI displayed by the Universal Client device on the first computer.