A conference enabled X windows networking system using a method for determining the best match available for a conference owner's visual type is disclosed. In the system, the enabler determines if the visual type detected in the X protocol stream is the conference owner's default visual type, in which case it is matched to the participant's default visual type. If that is not the case, the system determines if a visual type is available on the participant which is compatible to that being referred to in the X protocol. If so, the system determines which of the compatible visual types is the best match to that being used by the application. If there is an exact match of compatible visual type, the system matches the participant's visual type to that of the conference owner. If there are no compatible matches, the system will determine if an incompatible match exists between the participant's available incompatible visual types and the visual type being used in the X protocol. If there are no incompatible visual type available, the system signals an error condition and takes the appropriate action. When a match is made between a participant's visual type and that of the conference owner, the matched visual types are removed from the lists of available visual types.
A method and apparatus for determining a network protocol type as the protocol is received on a network connection is presented. A network protocol being used on a communication link is determined by receiving N-number of data frames over the communication link, where N is a small number (e.g., 1 data frame). Error detection codes are calculated on the N-number of data frames with a selected error detection process. The calculated error detection codes are used to determine the type network protocol being used on the communication link. A protocol stack with multiple network protocol layers used on a communication link can also be determined by identifying individual protocol types in the protocol stack using error detection codes. Identifying a network protocol as it is received reduces the complexity of identifying network protocols and prevents multiple network protocol interpreters from being invoked to determine what network protocol is being used.
Method and system for reporting to a source user before communication begins communication means usable by both the source and a destination user. Operable communication means at each user's information terminal are stored in a list DB 2 in advance for each user. A selection device 1 receives a destination user designation from the source user who is requesting communication, and acquires the usable communication means of the destination user and the source user respectively from the list DB 2. There are also cases in which the selection device 1 acquires communication means usable by the source user from the selection device 1 or a user terminal 4. Next, the selection device 1 creates a candidate list describing communication means which both parties can use, and sends it from a WWW server, for example, to the source user terminal. Before communication begins, the candidate list is displayed at the source user terminal by a WWW browser, for example.
Systems and methods for connecting two or more individuals to an Internet conversation based on their mutual interests, the current content they may be viewing and what they want to talk about at that time. The techniques of the present invention allow an individual who starts a conversation to maintain full control over who is able to join that conversation as well as how many are able to join at any one time. A user who desires to start or join a conversation about a particular topic or story selects an indicator, such as an icon, associated with the specific topic or story. The user is presented with an option to start or join a conversation. If the user opts to start a conversation, the user is presented with a comment page, and the user enters a comment, or comments, that preferably is intended to spark an interest in other users. The comment is then presented to other users. Those users who may desire to join in a conversation with the conversation starter respond with their own comment, which is then sent to the conversation starter. The conversation starter reviews the comment, and if the comment is subjectively acceptable, the conversation starter brings the responding user into a conversation. The responding user and conversation starter are then connected in a messaging session, such as an instant messaging session. Multiple users may be connected in a single messaging session by the conversation starter in this manner.
Systems and methods for connecting two or more individuals to an Internet conversation based on their mutual interests, the current content they may be viewing and what they want to talk about at that time. The techniques of the present invention allow an individual who starts a conversation to maintain full control over who is able to join that conversation as well as how many are able to join at any one time. A user who desires to start or join a conversation about a particular topic or story selects an indicator, such as an icon, associated with the specific topic or story. The user is presented with an option to start or join a conversation. If the user opts to start a conversation, the user is presented with a comment page, and the user enters a comment, or comments, that preferably is intended to spark an interest in other users. The comment is then presented to other users. Those users who may desire to join in a conversation with the conversation starter respond with their own comment, which is then sent to the conversation starter. The conversation starter reviews the comment, and if the comment is subjectively acceptable, the conversation starter brings the responding user into a conversation. The responding user and conversation starter are then connected in a messaging session, such as an instant messaging session. Multiple users may be connected in a single messaging session by the conversation starter in this manner.
