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Abstract

A method is provided for enabling a user to select and manipulate resource objects of a given type by selecting a program of a type compatible with the type of the resource objects via the graphical user interface of a computer system. This is achieved by first controlling a cursor control device of the computer system to drag a program icon onto a resource object icon. Then, a type of the program is compared to a type of the resource object to determine whether the program can manipulate the resource object. If the program can manipulate the resource object, a visual display of the resource object icon is modified to indicate to the user that the program can manipulate the resource object. In response to the visual display, the user has the option of either electing to manipulate the object using the program by dropping the program icon onto the resource object icon, or of terminating the operation by dragging the program icon away from the resource object icon. If the user elects to manipulate the resource object via the program, the program is executed by the computer system. A method is further provided for automatically comparing the type of the program to the type of a second resource object to determine whether the program can manipulate the second resource object, if the type of the program is not compatible with the type of the first resource object. A method is further provided for performing system management on a computer system. Finally, a method is provided for performing system management on a distributed system.

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