Facilitating communications between computer users across a network

摘要: A stand-alone icon (i.e., an that is not part of application interface) provided to facilitate communications across a network between users at least one program. The represents contact or set contacts. Status information regarding the contacts received and displayed using in response operation performed on icon. additionally may provide interface for performing actions related generally include, example, retrieving profile about contact, setting alert indicate contact's network/login status (e.g., login, logout, idle) has changed, with contact.