Abstract: A file system shell is provided. One aspect of the shell provides virtual folders which expose regular files and folders to users in different views based on their metadata instead of the actual physical underlying file system structure on the disk. Users are able to work with the virtual folders through direct manipulation (e.g., clicking and dragging, copying, pasting, etc.). Filters are provided for narrowing down sets of items. Quick links are provided which can be clicked on to generate useful views of the sets of items. Libraries are provided which consist of large groups of usable types of items that can be associated together, along with functions and tools related to the items. A virtual address bar is provided which comprises a plurality of segments, each segment corresponding to a filter for selecting content. A shell browser is provided with which users can readily identify an item based on the metadata associated with that item.

Abstract: A method of communicating between a graphical component library and an appearance manager is provided that includes issuing a request, that includes component defining parameters, for rendering services by a graphical component library. The appearance manager receives the request for rendering services and assigns appearance characteristics to the graphical component based upon the provided parameters. A method of rendering graphical components on the display of a computer system is also provided that includes rendering the requested graphical component according to the appearance characteristics assigned by the appearance manager. A method is also provided for communicating between a graphical component library and an appearance manager that includes issuing a request, that includes component defining parameters, for information about the defined component.

Abstract: A system and method for filtering and organizing items from computer memories based on common elements. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, filters are provided for manipulating the items. The filters are essentially tools for narrowing down a set of items. In one embodiment, the filters are dynamically generated based on the properties of the separate items. The system utilizes virtual folders. The virtual folders expose regular files and folders to users in different views based on their metadata instead of the actual physical underlying file system structure on the disk. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, quick links are provided. In one embodiment, quick links are a set of predefined links (e.g., located on the left side of the display) that can be clicked on to generate useful views of the sets of items. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, libraries are provided. Libraries consist of large groups of usable types of items that can be associated together.

Abstract: A system and method utilizing virtual folders. The virtual folders expose regular files and folders to users in different views based on their metadata instead of the actual physical underlying file system structure on the disk. The virtual folders contain collections of items. The system includes a folder processor that obtains queries from a user and a relational database for storing information about the items. The folder processor first obtains a query from a user and passes the query to the relational database. The relational database provides results back to the folder processor, and based on the results from the relational database, the folder processor provides the results to the user as virtual folders. Users are able to work with the virtual folders through direct manipulation (e.g., clicking and dragging, copying, pasting, etc.).

Abstract: A system and method for sharing items. A sharer may choose to share individual items, such as documents, contacts, and e-mails. To begin the sharing process, a user selects the items that are to be shared. The user then selects the sharees who the items are to be shared with, and the permissions that are to be assigned to the sharees. When items are to be shared, they are left in place on the sharer's machine, while the system ensures that the permissions are set, and any security issues are handled so that the sharees are able to access the items. In addition, the details of the sharing transactions may be tracked and recorded for later review. The sharer may also have the system send a link to the sharee for directly accessing the shared items from the sharer's machine. The sharee may also be able to query the sharer's machine to see what the sharer has shared out with the sharee.

Abstract: A system and method for user modification of metadata in a shell browser. A group of items and associated metadata values are displayed in a window of the shell browser. An edit control permits user modification of metadata values displayed in the window. The user can modify metadata associated with a welcome pane, a selected item, or multiple selected items. A data structure stored on one or more computer-readable media contains metadata associated with items displayed in a shell browser, including user modifiable metadata which is also displayed in the shell browser.

Abstract: A file system for displaying items of different types and from different physical locations. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a wide scope of items may be available. In other words, the system is able to represent items from multiple physical locations (e.g., different hard drives, different computers, different network locations, etc.) so that to a user all the items appear to be from one location. The file system utilizes virtual folders. The virtual folders expose regular files and folders to users in different views based on their metadata instead of the actual physical underlying file system structure on the disk. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, non-file items may be represented in the virtual folders. In other words, files that are stored in memory are located in a physical store. The virtual folders can be made to include items that are not currently represented in the physical store. Examples of non-file items are e-mails and contacts.

Abstract: A system and method for virtual folder sharing, including utilization of static and dynamic lists. Static and dynamic lists may be created as types of virtual folders. Virtual folders expose regular files and folders to users in different views based on their metadata instead of the actual physical underlying file system structure on the disk. A static list consists of a folder of items that are in a specific order, while a dynamic list gathers a set of items based on a scope and a set of criteria. When a list is shared, the actual list is left in place on the sharer's machine or server, while permission is granted to the sharee to remotely access the list and the referenced items. If the list is changed by adding or removing items, these items are also automatically re-permissioned to allow or disallow the sharee to have access to the items.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and systems for discovering printers and shares on a computer network. Each domain on the network is identified, and each computer in the domain is identified. In addition, each printer connected to the computer and each share on the computer is identified. Shortcuts to the identified printers and shares are created on at least one computer on the network. Moreover, drivers are preferably installed on the computer for each printer for which a shortcut was created. In the event that the total number of resources (i.e., shares and/or printers) exceeds a threshold, then the process terminates. Otherwise, the present invention continues until all printers and shares on the network are identified, and the appropriate shortcuts are created. Thus, the present invention provides methods and systems for discovering resources on a network.

Abstract: Disclosed is a data synchronization service for use in a peer-to-peer computing environment. Selected data objects are copied onto selected computing devices. A service running on each device monitors data objects for changes. When a change is detected, the service sends a change notification to the other devices so that they can update their copies of the data object. A user can access a data object from any device, knowing that he will retrieve the latest version of the data object. Instead of incurring the costs of storing a large file on every device, a user “ghosts” the file on some devices. A ghosting device stores only metadata about the file rather than the entire file. The user accesses the file through the ghost: access requests are sent to a device that holds the actual contents, and those contents are presented to the user as if they were stored locally.

Abstract: A system and method are described that use theming functions of a theme manager to render graphical components in a themed fashion. The theme manager uses a theme file that has theme properties for graphical components of all types. When an application is started a system is provided that determines whether the application supports theming. If the application supports theming a dynamic link controls library that supports theming is linked to the application. If the application does not support theming, the non-theming controls library is linked. If an application supports themes, application user controls and shell common controls are rendered with themes by using the functions of the theming controls library that interact with functions of the theme manager. Non-client window components are rendered using themes by intercepting render messages to windows and sending the messages to the theme manager.

Abstract: A method use on a computer having a graphical operating environment is provided for displaying the content items of a container. The method includes enumerating the items that exist within the container or folder and determining whether a graphical preview can be generated for the item. If so, the item is added to a list of candidates as preview items for the container or folder. The items are then evaluated, and a desired number are chosen for display based upon a sort criteria. Prior to being displayed, the graphical preview for each item is sized and is located on the background image. The above method results in a container having graphical or pictorial indicia of the container contents on the outside thereof. These indicia allow a computer user to more readily determine the contents of the container or folder without having to open the container or folder.

Abstract: A new way of providing pertinent information about an item (e.g., a text file, a picture file, a music file, video file, or any other similar file) is provided. The invention provides graphical information about the item along with user-selectable properties that are specific to that item. The invention further provides a way of sorting the items by the user-selectable properties and communicating the sort order to the user. The invention thereby provides the user with a way of quickly finding pertinent information about the item.

Abstract: A system and method are described that use theming functions of a theme manager to render graphical components in a themed fashion. The theme manager uses a theme file that has theme properties for graphical components of all types. When an application is started a system is provided that determines whether the application supports theming. If the application supports theming a dynamic link controls library that supports theming is linked to the application. If the application does not support theming, the non-theming controls library is linked. If an application supports themes, application user controls and shell common controls are rendered with themes by using the functions of the theming controls library that interact with functions of the theme manager. Non-client window components are rendered using themes by intercepting render messages to windows and sending the messages to the theme manager.

Abstract: The system disclosed herein supports staged-write media such as optical CDs. The system includes an operating system that accepts requests to save resources such as files. When the files are to be saved to a staged-write media, the files are merely noted or referenced as being staged. Later, upon a user indication, the staged files are actually written to the staged-write media. Specifically, the files are written upon detecting a user attempt to remove the staged-write medium.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for use in a computer system for organizing and displaying notification items associated with the system, applications or other components, within a notification area. The system monitors items that are placed in the notification comparing the period of placement with a predetermined time threshold value. If the item has remained inactive for longer than the predetermined threshold period, the item is hidden from the notification area. Additionally, the system monitors the hidden items for changes in icon appearance and will unhide the item upon a change in appearance or specific selection by a user. New items and unhidden items are arranged in the order of the most recent addition to the notification area. The system also allows a user to customize the behavior associated with individual notification items.