Abstract: The present invention improves the stability of a Web browser by identifying plug-in modules that cause failures. Data in memory at the time of a failure is analyzed, and a failure signature is generated. The failure signature is compared to a database of known failure signatures so that the source of the failure may be identified. If a plug-in module to a Web browser is identified as the source of a failure, options are presented to the user who may update the plug-in module with code that does not produce a failure or disable the plug-in module altogether.

Abstract: Adware and viruses are examples of objects that may be embedded in a web page or linked to a web page. When such an object is detected to be associated with a web page loading on a browser, an analysis may be performed to determine a trust level for the object. The object is suppressed based on the trust level. A prompt is displayed to advise a user that the object has been suppressed, and to provide an opportunity to interactively accept or decline activation of an action for the object.

Abstract: In an implementation of user interface transition, a user interface logon page is displayed with selectable logon controls that each have a corresponding user-identifiable indicator. A transition from the user interface logon page to a user interface desktop page is initiated in response to a selectable logon control being selected. The transition displays the user-identifiable indicator corresponding to the selectable logon control uninterrupted throughout the transition, and the user-identifiable indicator corresponding to the selectable logon control is displayed on the user interface desktop page.

Abstract: A graphical user interface allows users to access multiple third party services (e.g., online media services) and enables the services to provide functionality within the GUI adjacent to core functionality of a host application (e.g., a media player application, operating system shell, etc.). The GUI provides an interface region for third party service functionality that is distinct from, but equal in exposure and prominence to, the core functionality provided by the application hosting the GUI. The GUI enables seamless switching between a list of available services provided in a service menu. Switching between services replaces service function buttons and service branding according to particular service customizations.

Abstract: Integrated management of local and remote media files. A playlist of media files adapted for rendering by a media player application are located in either a local media library stored at the computer or a remote media library accessible by the computer via a data communication network or both. Media player operations may be performed on the playlist. A first identifier identifies each of the media files in the playlist and a second identifier represents a source of each of the media files in the playlist. A streaming locator defined by the first and second identifiers locates each of the media files in the playlist in the local media library and then in the remote library.

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: 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 method implemented in a computer system realizes a user's preferences for launching applications for corresponding kinds of files. The method launches a first application to service a file unless a second application is available to service the same kind of file. If such is the case, the method presents a consent user interface to allow the user to indicate a preference between the first application and the second application. Changes to the preference are inhibited unless made via the consent user interface.

Abstract: A previewing system that permits selection from a plurality of interactive previewers for use in a system shell browser is disclosed. The previews may be extensible, such that different application developers may write custom previews for different file types, and the shell browser may follow established criteria to select an appropriate preview. The user may enter criteria to control which previewers are used for different situations, such as when certain file types are selected for previewing. Size of an available display area for the preview may be a criterion, such that resizing the preview area may cause a different preview to be displayed. The preview may be executed as a separate process from the browser so that crashes and hangs in the previewer process do not fatally affect the browser process. Previews may be incorporated within common file dialogs offered by an underlying operating system, such that different applications may share the common previewer.

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.

Abstract: The present invention improves the stability of a Web browser by identifying plug-in modules that cause failures. Data in memory at the time of a failure is analyzed, and a failure signature is generated. The failure signature is compared to a database of known failure signatures so that the source of the failure may be identified. If a plug-in module to a Web browser is identified as the source of a failure, options are presented to the user who may update the plug-in module with code that does not produce a failure or disable the plug-in module altogether.

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.