Abstract: Architecture that facilitates the estimation of interference among workloads (e.g., virtual machines) due to sharing of a shared resource (e.g., a shared cache of a computer processor), and optimization of a desired performance objective such as power or energy use in the presence of the interference. Estimation is to the extent of interference by characterizing the nature of shared resource usage and its effect on performance. Performance optimization is accomplished using metrics based on the above estimation, or alternatively, an explicit measurement of the interference effects. Methods are employed to estimate interference on the workload's performance with changes in availability of the shared resource or with combinations of other workloads sharing the same resource and allocating workloads to one or more physical computers or resources to workloads such that a desired performance objective is optimized. The methods can include allocating workloads on demand.

Abstract: A server is implemented with a modified file open action, which, when a user performs the modified open, initially opens a file without locking the file. When a user indicates (either explicitly or implicitly) that the user is attempting to or intending to open the file, the file can then be locked for editing. In this way, the default action when a user requests a file is to open the file without denying other users access to the file. Then, when the user indicates that editing should occur, the lock for the file is obtained.

Abstract: Knowledge corroboration is described. In an embodiment many judges provide answers to many questions so that at least one answer is provided to each question and at least some of the questions have answers from more than one judge. In an example a probabilistic learning system takes features describing the judges or the questions or both and uses those features to learn an expertise of each judge. For example, the probabilistic learning system has a graphical assessment component which aggregates the answers in a manner which takes into account the learnt expertise in order to determine enhanced answers. In an example the enhanced answers are used for knowledge base clean-up or web-page classification and the learnt expertise is used to select judges for future questions. In an example the probabilistic learning system has a logical component that propagates answers according to logical relations between the questions.

Abstract: A method of measuring resistance in each of a plurality of resistors in a resistor matrix is provided. Each resistor is located at a different intersection between a column conductor and a row conductor. The method includes determining an offset error row current of each row conductor, scanning each row conductor to identify if that row conductor is connected to a column conductor by one of the plurality of resistors, scanning each resistor connected to that row conductor to determine if that resistor is connecting a column conductor to that row conductor, and if that resistor is connecting a column conductor to that row conductor, outputting an offset compensated resistance of that resistor calculated from the row current measured for that resistor less the offset error row current for that row conductor.

Abstract: In a graphical user interface environment, a request to save a file may result in a display of a location or view in which the file is to be saved, and may include a preview indicia representing the to-be-saved file. The user may interact with the preview indicia to edit the new file's metadata by repositioning the indicia in a different view, and/or the system may automatically update the preview indicia's location in response to the user editing displayed metadata properties for the new file. The preview indicia may have a distinct appearance, and may persist to show the user how the new file can be located after the save process is performed.

Abstract: A delete notification can be received at a storage stack filter in a storage stack. It can be determined whether the delete notification applies to an entire storage device. If the delete notification does not apply to the entire storage device, a first set of actions can be taken with the storage stack filter in response to the delete notification. If the delete notification does apply to the entire storage device, a second set of actions can be taken with the storage stack filter in response to the delete notification.

Abstract: A data-holding subsystem. The data-holding subsystem includes instructions stored thereon that when executed by a logic subsystem in communication with the data-holding subsystem: receive one or more signals, determine a sensor type for each signal of the one or more signals, identify a sensor type specific pattern corresponding to a motion gesture in at least one of the signals, and generate a gesture message based on the motion gesture. The gesture message may be usable by an operating system of a computing device that includes the data-holding subsystem to provide a system-wide function usable by one or more application programs of the computing device to provide an application specific function.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing tasks and related tasks. While a user is performing a task, a group of related tasks is presented. When a new task is selected, a new group of related tasks is provided. This allows a user to perform a series of tasks without having to separately search for each task. As the user moves between tasks, task information items are passed between the tasks so that previously provided information can be preserved.

Abstract: A content key (CK) to decrypt a piece of encrypted content is obtained encrypted according to a public key of a licensor (PU-L) to result in (PU-L(CK)). (PU-L(CK)) is obscured according to (PU-L) and a value R to result in Obs (PU-L(CK)), and Obs (PU-L(CK)) is sent to the licensor, which applies a private key (PR-L) corresponding to (PU-L) to Obs (PU-L(CK)) to result in Obs (CK) as an obscured version of (CK). Obs (CK) is received from the licensor; and (CK) is obtained from Obs (CK) based on applying R thereto. The licensor cannot identify from Obs (PU-L(CK)) or from Obs (CK) the encrypted content or the content key (CK) from which the encrypted content may be identified.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a user interface for stylus-based user input is described. In one aspect, a stylus-based user input is received. Responsive to receiving the input, a menu is displayed. The menu includes selectable items to allow a user, by selecting one of the selectable items, to direct the computer system to generate right-mouse button input or to interpret one or more subsequent stylus-based user inputs as hover cursor input, keyboard-like input, or handwriting input.

Abstract: Various methods and systems permit digital data, such as video data, audio/video data, audio/video/subpicture data and the like, to be processed in a manner that permits playback at different speeds in both forward and reverse directions. Various embodiments are also directed to handling playback rate changes in a manner that can enhance the experience of a user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamically managed data retention are described. The system comprises a tiered framework having a plurality of namespaces. The namespaces are configured by a user to have selected data retention attributes. Data including a manifest may be received by the system, processed, and directed to a namespace based upon the manifest. Data storage partitions may be created automatically in association with a namespace, and the data partitions may be assigned partition attributes. Data in a storage partition may be migrated automatically to another namespace based on the partition attributes. Code necessary for creating storage partitions and migrating data is generated by the data management system.

Abstract: This application describes grouping variables together to minimize cost or time of performing computer vision analysis techniques on images. In one instance, the pixels of an image are represented by a lattice structure of nodes that are connected to each other by edges. The nodes are grouped or merged together based in part on the energy function associated with each edge that connects the nodes together. The energy function of the edge is based in part on the energy functions associated with each node. The energy functions of the node are based on the possible states in which the node may exist. The states of the node are representative of an object, image, or any other feature or classification that may be associated with the pixels in the image.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media are disclosed for selecting a set of security offerings. A particular method includes receiving a security need profile associated with a computing environment and receiving security offering information related to a plurality of security offerings. The security offerings of the plurality of security offerings are evaluated with respect to the security need profile. A set of security offerings from the plurality of security offerings are automatically selected.

Abstract: Embodiments of a multi-screen hold and page-flip gesture are described. In various embodiments, a hold input is recognized at a first screen of a multi-screen system, and the hold input is recognized when held to select a journal page that is displayed on the first screen. A motion input is recognized at a second screen of the multi-screen system, and the motion input is recognized while the hold input remains held in place. A hold and page-flip gesture can then be determined from the recognized hold and motion inputs, and the hold and page-flip gesture is effective to maintain the display of the journal page while one or more additional journal pages are flipped for display on the second screen.

Abstract: A map navigation tool presents directions using a map navigation user interface that simplifies navigation in various ways. In particular, the map navigation tool dynamically adjusts presentation of graphics and/or text for directions depending on current location, so as to emphasize upcoming instructions. For example, based on current location, the tool identifies an upcoming list item in a list of directions for a route. The map navigation tool renders a view of at least part of the list of directions, rendering a given list item differently depending on whether it is the upcoming list item, a future list item, or a previous list item. Upon successful completion of navigation for the upcoming list item, the tool outputs an indication of positive feedback, changes the upcoming list item to be the next list item, and renders a new view in which the next list item is emphasized.

Abstract: Displaying a ribbon user interface in a context dependant fashion. A method includes displaying a ribbon user interface. The ribbon user interface is associated with some set of user data and includes one or more displayed tabs. Each tab includes one or more groups that are displayed for a given tab. Each group includes one or more controls. Displaying a ribbon user interface includes displaying a single set of groups, and one or more sets of controls, one for each group, for a single tab that is selected. The method further includes receiving user input related to the user data resulting in a change of context related to the user data. Membership of at least one of the single set of groups or the one or more sets of controls is changed based on the change of context related to the user data.

Abstract: The application discloses a generic partitioning manager for partitioning resources across one or more owner nodes. In illustrated embodiments described, the partitioning manager interfaces with the one or more owner nodes through an owner library. A lookup node or application interfaces with the partitioning manager through the lookup library to lookup address or locations of the partitioned resources. In illustrated embodiments, resources are partitioned via the partitioning manager in response to lease request messages from an owner library. In illustrated embodiments, the lease grant message includes a complete list of the leases for the owner node.

Abstract: A computer event is detected and a notification is displayed. If a dialog box corresponding to the computer event triggered the event detection, then the dialog box is modified to include further details of the event and an assistance control that links to a search engine Web page. If a dialog box did not trigger the event detection, then a dialog box is displayed with the event details and assistance control. Upon selection of the assistance control, the search engine Web page is displayed with event details pre-populated in the search term field. Targeted advertisements are displayed according to bidding on a unique descriptor associated with the specific computer event.