Software explorer
AssigneeMicrosoft Corporation
InventorsMatthew Lerner, Chris Guzak, David Matthews, Cynthia Tee, Charles Stabb
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Computer-implemented methods for managing software installed on a computer are provided. A first region of an interface displays a selection of software information views, including installed software, running software, and software updates. Selecting a view causes a second region of the interface to display the view, including a list of software. Selecting one of the pieces of software displays additional information about the software in a third region of the interface. A fourth region of the interface displays commands associated with the selected software information view. User-friendly names are used throughout the interface.
Claims20
A method for managing software on a computer, the method comprising steps of:
- displaying a first region, comprising a set of available information views related to software stored on the computer, wherein the set of available information views comprises:
- software installed on the computer,
- software available for installation on the computer, and
- software presently running on the computer;
- and
- displaying a second region, comprising a configurable area for displaying information related to software stored on the computer, wherein the information displayed in the second region is dependent on a selected information view from the first region.
A system for managing software on a computer, the system comprising:
- one or more storage media, upon which is installed one or more pieces of software;
- a display;
- a pointing device;
- and
- a processor configured to:
- determine software installed on the storage media;
- display in a first region on the display a set of software information views related to the installed software, wherein the set of software information views comprises software installed on the computer, software available for installation, and software running on the computer;
- receive via the pointing device a selection of a software information view;
- and
- display in a second region on the display the selected software information view, wherein the selected software information view comprises a set of software.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.