Abstract: The application describes updating, by a computing system, a table to include first data usable to locate a first portion of metadata in a supplementary database that is accessible from a storage device. The metadata is related to one or more functions of an application that execute on the computing system. The table also includes second data usable to locate a second portion of the metadata in a system database of the computing system. During execution of the application, a request for one or more portions of the metadata is received, and the table is used to determine one or more locations of the one or more portions of the metadata of the request. In response to the request, at least one of the first portion of the metadata is read from the supplementary database or the second portion of the metadata is read from the system database.

Abstract: This document describes techniques that enable an application to operate as if the application were running on its native computing system when it is actually running on another computing system. The techniques may do so by building a portable database having metadata particular to the application, which can be stored in a portable device along with that application. When that portable device is connected to another computing system, the portable database may be used to supplement or supplant the other computing system's database to enable the application to operate with its particular functionality.

Abstract: This document describes techniques that enable an application to operate as if the application were running on its native computing system when it is actually running on another computing system. The techniques may do so by building a portable database having metadata particular to the application, which can be stored in a portable device along with that application. When that portable device is connected to another computing system, the portable database may be used to supplement or supplant the other computing system's database to enable the application to operate with its particular functionality.

Abstract: This document describes techniques that enable an application to operate as if the application were running on its native computing system when it is actually running on another computing system. The techniques may do so by building a portable registry having metadata particular to the application, which can be stored in a portable device along with that application. When that portable device is connected to another computing system, the portable registry may be used to supplement or supplant the other computing system's registry to enable the application to operate with its particular functionality.

Abstract: A method and computer-readable medium are provided for consistent configuration of language support between an operating system and application programs. According to the method, an integrated process is provided for receiving and implementing one or more language settings for an operating system and one or more language settings for application programs. The integrated process includes prompting a user for new language settings for both the operating system and the application programs. The language settings for the operating system may include language group support, user interface language, keyboard layout, preferences for standards and formats, and other settings. The language settings for the application programs may include preferences for a user interface language and a default language for use in the application programs. Once the language settings have been received from the user, the new settings may be applied and utilized in future operations of the computer system.

Abstract: A portable storage device includes an interface and one or more flash memories. The one or more flash memories store one or more executable files that can be executed by a host computer to which the device is coupled without altering any environment settings on the host computer even though the one or more executable files include instructions to access environment settings. Additionally, the application is bound to the portable storage device during an activation process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lookup service for shorthand terms directly from within an application. A lookup pane is provided to the user from which they can lookup a definition for the shorthand term. The lookup pane provides a consistent user interface for looking up shorthand terms from within a suite of applications. After entering a shorthand term, a dictionary of shorthand terms is accessed to determine the definition. If desired, the user can choose to insert the definition of the term directly into a document. The lookup service is provided directly to the user without the user having to open a web page and search for the term.

Abstract: This document describes techniques that enable an application to operate as if the application were running on its native computing system when it is actually running on another computing system. The techniques may do so by building a portable registry having metadata particular to the application, which can be stored in a portable device along with that application. When that portable device is connected to another computing system, the portable registry may be used to supplement or supplant the other computing system's registry to enable the application to operate with its particular functionality.

Abstract: A portable storage device includes an interface and one or more flash memories. The one or more flash memories store one or more executable files that can be executed by a host computer to which the device is coupled without altering any environment settings on the host computer even though the one or more executable files include instructions to access environment settings. Additionally, the application is bound to the portable storage device during an activation process.

Abstract: A method and computer-readable medium are provided for consistent configuration of language support between an operating system and application programs. According to the method, an integrated process is provided for receiving and implementing one or more language settings for an operating system and one or more language settings for application programs. The integrated process includes prompting a user for new language settings for both the operating system and the application programs. The language settings for the operating system may include language group support, user interface language, keyboard layout, preferences for standards and formats, and other settings. The language settings for the application programs may include preferences for a user interface language and a default language for use in the application programs. Once the language settings have been received from the user, the new settings may be applied and utilized in future operations of the computer system.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for providing information related to a location or geographic region. When a string is entered into an application program, the string is analyzed to determine whether the string relates to one or more locations or geographic regions. If the string relates to a location or geographic region, the string is associated with additional information related to the location or geographic region. A list of actions may be provided, wherein each action allows for the selection of the additional information. In one embodiment, a geographical map, telephone area codes or time conversion information may be selected and displayed. In other embodiments, currency conversions related to a specific country may be selected and displayed.