SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING THE USE OF DESKTOP SPACE IN GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACES

摘要

A system and method for managing the use of the desktop in a graphical user interface system includes trays, which are manager windows that can manage other windows. Space on the desktop can be designated a tray and each tray can be populated by one or more other windows, including other trays. Multiply populated trays provides a tray switcher tool by which a user can select for display any one of the windows managed by the trays. While it is preferred to define trays as flat windows, which do not move front to back, on the desktop, trays can be defined, as floating windows, where desired.