Method and system for providing detail information about computer system users for which on-line status and instant messaging capabilities are available

摘要

A system for providing a local computer system user with detail information about remote computer system users, such as users of separate client computer systems from that of the local user. The detail information regarding remote users is obtained by a client software program on the local computer system, and originates in at least one program and/or system external to the client application software providing the detail information to the local user. The detail information is accessible through graphical objects associated with remote users, and presented either within a visual context of an awareness client program, or within the visual context of an application program external to the awareness client program. Users are able to control the specific detail information about them that is made available to other users.