Abstract: The disclosure provides for authentication and/or authorization via persistable identity tokens, so an original identity provider (e.g., a user) does not need to be present upon initiating execution of a task. Examples include requesting a persistable token in exchange for a first live token. Based at least on the request for the persistable token complying with a first set of policies, receiving the persistable token. Based at least on a trigger event, requesting a second live token in exchange for the persistable token. Based at least on the request for the persistable token complying with a second set of policies, receiving the second live token. Based at least on receiving the second live token, initiating execution of a task using the second live token for authentication or authorization, wherein the execution of the task is contingent upon the authentication or authorization.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for authentication and/or authorization via persistable identity tokens, so an original identity provider (e.g., a user) does not need to be present upon initiating execution of a task. Examples include requesting a persistable token in exchange for a first live token. Based at least on the request for the persistable token complying with a first set of policies, receiving the persistable token. Based at least on a trigger event, requesting a second live token in exchange for the persistable token. Based at least on the request for the persistable token complying with a second set of policies, receiving the second live token. Based at least on receiving the second live token, initiating execution of a task using the second live token for authentication or authorization, wherein the execution of the task is contingent upon the authentication or authorization.

Abstract: A platform supports an unmanaged secured workgroup, without a server, for common user access and secure resource sharing among the computers in the group. User accounts are synchronized by replicating and modifying the accounts at each computer of the unmanaged secured workgroup. A computer advertises a change in account information to other computers in an unmanaged secured workgroup. If one of computers in the unmanaged secured workgroup determines that the change is not reflected in the current account information, the computer requests the updated account information from the advertising computer. Any conflicts between user accounts at different computers are resolved before synchronizing the user account in the unmanaged secured workgroup. Also, an application program interface (API) enables an application to query properties of a networked computer system and an unmanaged secured workgroup and to join the unmanaged secured workgroup.

Abstract: A system and method for generating aggregated content views in a computing network are provided. A host computing device obtains a request for an aggregated view of content corresponding to a set of criteria. The host computing device queries itself and each computing device in a defined network for locally stored content matching the set of criteria. The query results are merged and displayed to a user at the host computing device as an aggregated list view.

Abstract: A host computer system obtains a request for an aggregated view of content in a computer network corresponding to a criterion. The host computer system queries networked computer systems to identify data objects according to the criterion. Each responding computer system provides an identification set of specified data objects that are stored at the responding computer to the host computer systems. The host computer system merges the identification sets to form the aggregated view of content to a user. If a specified data object is replicated to networked computers, the host computer system provides one instance of the specified data object in the query result. Consequently, concurrent utilization of file synchronization and the aggregated view of data objects are facilitated. If a specified data object is stored at the host computer system, the host computer system blocks querying of networked computers about the specified data object.

Abstract: A system and method for generating aggregated content views in a computing network are provided. A host computing device obtains a request for an aggregated view of content corresponding to a set of criteria. The host computing device queries itself and each computing device in a defined network for locally stored content matching the set of criteria. The query results are merged and displayed to a user at the host computing device as an aggregated list view.

Abstract: A system and method for aggregating and extending parental controls auditing in an unmanaged computing network are provided. A parental control system, including a parental control database, logging interface, and audit process, resides on each host computing device in an unmanaged computing network that is capable of synchronizing data residing on one of the host computing devices with data residing on the other devices in the network. The parental control system facilitates the logging and reporting of parental control audit information in a manner that allows parents to aggregate the audit information to obtain a comprehensive audit report of their children's use of all computers in the home, and is extensible and customizable by the applications from which the parental control audit information originates.

Abstract: A system and method for aggregating and extending parental controls auditing in an unmanaged computing network are provided. A parental control system, including a parental control database, logging interface, and audit process, resides on each host computing device in an unmanaged computing network that is capable of synchronizing data residing on one of the host computing devices with data residing on the other devices in the network. The parental control system facilitates the logging and reporting of parental control audit information in a manner that allows parents to aggregate the audit information to obtain a comprehensive audit report of their children's use of all computers in the home, and is extensible and customizable by the applications from which the parental control audit information originates.

Abstract: A system and method for aggregating and extending parental controls auditing in an unmanaged computing network are provided. A parental control system, including a parental control database, logging interface, and audit process, resides on each host computing device in an unmanaged computing network that is capable of synchronizing data residing on one of the host computing devices with data residing on the other devices in the network. The parental control system facilitates the logging and reporting of parental control audit information in a manner that allows parents to aggregate the audit information to obtain a comprehensive audit report of their children's use of all computers in the home, and is extensible and customizable by the applications from which the parental control audit information originates.

Abstract: A system and method for aggregating and extending parental controls auditing in an unmanaged computing network are provided. A parental control system, including a parental control database, logging interface, and audit process, resides on each host computing device in an unmanaged computing network that is capable of synchronizing data residing on one of the host computing devices with data residing on the other devices in the network. The parental control system facilitates the logging and reporting of parental control audit information in a manner that allows parents to aggregate the audit information to obtain a comprehensive audit report of their children's use of all computers in the home, and is extensible and customizable by the applications from which the parental control audit information originates.

Abstract: A system and method for aggregating and extending parental controls auditing in an unmanaged computing network are provided. A parental control system, including a parental control database, logging interface, and audit process, resides on each host computing device in an unmanaged computing network that is capable of synchronizing data residing on one of the host computing devices with data residing on the other devices in the network. The parental control system facilitates the logging and reporting of parental control audit information in a manner that allows parents to aggregate the audit information to obtain a comprehensive audit report of their children's use of all computers in the home, and is extensible and customizable by the applications from which the parental control audit information originates.

Abstract: A system and method for generating aggregated content views in a computing network are provided. A host computing device obtains a request for an aggregated view of content corresponding to a set of criteria. The host computing device queries itself and each computing device in a defined network for locally stored content matching the set of criteria. The query results are merged and displayed to a user at the host computing device as an aggregated list view.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sharing items and viewing shared items in an operating system. A user may initiate a search that executes a query on the file system, returning a list of items owned by the user and shared out to other users. In order to increase efficiency and usability of such a query, an index may be created based on the owner and user permissions of the items in the file system. A user interface integrated into the operating system may display the shared items in a single flat list, or search folder, regardless of the various physical locations of the items on the system.

Abstract: System(s), method(s), and/or technique(s) (“tools”) are described that perform a prohibited task without requiring that the user request the prohibited task more than once; perform a prohibited task without requiring that a user logoff or back on; and/or perform a permitted task requested as part of a set of tasks where some of the tasks are prohibited, even if the permitted task is queued for execution after a prohibited task, and without requiring that the user elevate his or her rights.

Abstract: System(s), method(s), and/or technique(s) (“tools”) are described that enable a user to permit multiple tasks requiring elevated rights with as little as one rights elevation. For example, the tools may enable an installation wizard operating within a limited-rights context to perform multiple tasks that require a higher-rights context with a single rights elevation by the user. The tools may do so using an object agent, an instance of which may be created by the installation wizard following a single rights elevation. This instance of the object agent then creates instances of other objects without requiring that the user elevate his or her rights. These other objects' instances may then run the tasks that require the higher-rights context.

Abstract: A host computer system obtains a request for an aggregated view of content in a computer network corresponding to a criterion. The host computer system queries networked computer systems to identify data objects according to the criterion. Each responding computer system provides an identification set of specified data objects that are stored at the responding computer to the host computer systems. The host computer system merges the identification sets to form the aggregated view of content to a user. If a specified data object is replicated to networked computers, the host computer system provides one instance of the specified data object in the query result. Consequently, concurrent utilization of file synchronization and the aggregated view of data objects are facilitated. If a specified data object is stored at the host computer system, the host computer system blocks querying of networked computers about the specified data object.

Abstract: A platform supports an unmanaged secured workgroup, without a server, for common user access and secure resource sharing among the computers in the group. User accounts are synchronized by replicating and modifying the accounts at each computer of the unmanaged secured workgroup. A computer advertises a change in account information to other computers in an unmanaged secured workgroup. If one of computers in the unmanaged secured workgroup determines that the change is not reflected in the current account information, the computer requests the updated account information from the advertising computer. Any conflicts between user accounts at different computers are resolved before synchronizing the user account in the unmanaged secured workgroup. Also, an application program interface (API) enables an application to query properties of a networked computer system and an unmanaged secured workgroup and to join the unmanaged secured workgroup.

Abstract: A system and related techniques provide a seamless, peer-to-peer file synchronization capability for sharing files, folders, directories or other stored content between machines. According to embodiments of the invention in one regard, a sync engine or other file management logic may be integrated into the operating system or other resources of a user's desktop, laptop, network-enabled cellular device or other computer, client, machine or other hardware. The sync engine may accept user designations of files, folders, directories or other contents which they wish to share, sync or roam between two or more selected machines, on an automatically consistent basis. The sync engine or other control logic may maintain a file system log to record the state of files which have been designated for sharing, to indicate for example whether a transmission of the file has been made, to which target machine or machines it has been transmitted, and other variables regarding the state of file or other content.

Abstract: A method and data structure for creating and accessing folders stored in well known locations. The data structure and method utilizes a set of APIs to create and manage well known folders on a system and/or to locate specific well known folders. The invention provides interfaces to create, locate, extend, and enumerate well known folders. In addition, the invention allows a developer and/or user to customize properties of well known folders.

Abstract: A method and data structure for separating application data from user data in a namespace. The data structure provides an intuitive profile layout for developers or users while supporting legacy applications. The namespace utilizes a hierarchical structure allowing access by developers or users over a network to information contained in identified public folders and/or a user's profile.