Computer console with group ICON control

摘要

A console operates a computer which includes a multiplicity of processors. The console displays an activate icon, a grouping icon and a multiplicity of icons which represent the multiplicity of processors, respectively. The console supports the definition of a group of the processors based on user selection of two or more of the processor icons and the grouping icon. In response to the definition, the console displays a group icon which represents the selected processors. The console also supports activation of the group of processors by selecting the group icon and the activate icon. After the group of processors is activated, the console can still display the group icon. Thus, further action can be taken on the group as a whole without redefining the group. A second group of processors containing one or more of the processors of the first group and one or more other processors can also be defined as described above. The console displays both group icons. If an attempt is made to activate the first group of processors using the corresponding group icon and the activate icon, and one of the processors which is shared by both groups fails to activate, then the console modifies the display of both group icons to indicate that at least one processor in each of the groups has failed.