1. A method for navigating within a multi-level hierarchical collapsing menu structure where each level in the menu contains plural items, each said item being at least one of a function, a pointer to a location, and a pointer to another level, said method comprising the steps of: providing a graphical user menu system displaying the items of a given level and enabling selection thereof, wherein access of said given level requires sequential access of each of the levels preceding said given level in the hierarchy; and dynamically constructing an Active Path as a sequence of active links as items are selected using the graphical user menu system, with one said active link correspond to each of the items selected, said active links providing direct access to a function corresponding level or menu item without the need to navigate using said graphical user menu system.