Abstract: In an implementation of initiate multiple applications, a user interface includes a user-selectable control to initiate that multiple applications start together at approximately a same time. The user interface includes user-selectable configurations to designate a multiple application start-up configuration.

Abstract: In an implementation of user interface start page, the start page includes a user-identifiable indicator associated with a user of a computing system to indicate that the user is logged-on to the computing system. The user interface start page also includes user-selectable controls from one or more regions of a user interface desktop page which is displayed after a transition from the user interface start page to the user interface desktop page. Each of the user-selectable controls on the user interface start page initiate a display of information associated with the user when selected.

Abstract: A system and process for managing the presentation of windows on the display screen of a computing device is presented. In general, this is a multiple-mode window presentation system and process that displays one or more of the peripheral graphic user interface (GUI) elements typically displayed on the display screen in addition to a window, such as the frame and title bar of the window and any task bar or side bar, in a first appearance mode when the window is maximized. However, when the window is displayed in a less-than-maximized size, one or more of the peripheral GUI elements are displayed in a second appearance mode which is substantially different from the first. In general the second appearance mode is designed to attract the attention of a user to the peripheral GUI elements, while the first mode is designed to avoid distracting the user from the content of the maximized window.

Abstract: A graphical user interface is provided that has two distinct sections. A first area has an array of menu items. When a menu item is hovered over by a pointer, an icon such as a contextually-related animated icon is displayed on a second area and changes its appearance in such a way as to indicate to the user the location of the pointer and/or the consequence of selecting that menu item.

Abstract: A method and system for rendering a desktop on a computer using a composited desktop model operating system are disclosed. A composited desktop window manager, upon receiving content information from application programs, draws the window to a buffer memory for future reference, and takes advantage of advanced graphics hardware and visual effects to render windows based on content on which they are drawn. The windows may also be rendered based on environment variables including virtual light sources. The frame portion of each window may be generated by pixel shading a bitmap having the appearance of frosted glass based on the content of the desktop on top of which the frame is displayed. Legacy support is provided so that the operating system can draw and render windows generated by legacy applications to look consistent with non-legacy application windows.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) view of a data collection based on an attribute is disclosed. A timeline is provided for displaying files and folders. The timeline may include a focal group that displays detailed information about its contents to the user. Remaining items on the timeline are displayed in less detail and may be positioned to appear further away from the user. A histogram may be provided as part of the view to allow the user to more easily navigate the timeline to find a desired file or folder.

Abstract: A system and method for resizing tiles on a computer display is provided. The tiles are automatically sized until a user takes control after which the user may manually size the tiles. Size limits may be set for the tiles. If an attempt is made to automatically resize a tile above a specified limit, then a notification may be sent to the user requesting approval for the new tile size. If the user does not approve the new size, then the tile will be placed in a manual sizing mode in which further automatic resizing is limited. If the user approves the new size, then further automatic resizing may occur without requesting further approval. The tiles are prevented from being automatically resized too frequently, which could be distracting or annoying to a user.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for use in a computing environment to present and provide access to user information. The system may include a sidebar for hosting a plurality of tiles. Applications may be minimized and inserted into the sidebar upon minimization. Selected features of the application remain available through a tile when the application is represented by a tile in the sidebar. The system may also include user interface tools for allowing a user to command placement of a selected application into the sidebar. The application may include an available feature selection module for allowing an application to provide at least a sub-set of a full feature set upon minimization. An insertion module may be provided for inserting the tile into the user interface.