INTERACTIVE COMPUTER HELP SYSTEM

摘要

An interactive help system allows a user to retrieve information concerning how to complete a particular task in an underlying computer program. Upon selecting the help system, the computer system re-sizes the window of the underlying program and generates a help window containing a list of topics that are available. A help window is created beside the underlying program window that lists those steps required to complete a desired task. The help system disable that portion of the underlying program window containing options that are inappropriate for the user to select at that time in order to complete the desired task. In addition, the help system shows the user how to complete the next step in the list of desired steps. Alternatively, the user can have the help system show the user how to perform all the steps required to complete a given task.