Abstract: Described is a system and method in which pen gestures cause a mode to be entered in which a computing device acts as if a modifier key (e.g., Control, Alt, or Shift) was being pressed. This is accomplished by a pen driver sending a modifier key down to the keyboard and mouse input subsystem. Modifier key behavior is thus provided, including at times when a keyboard is not readily available. While in the modifier key mode, additional gestures can be input, including a gesture that results in the computing device acting as if multiple modifier keys are pressed. Also, while in the mode, visual feedback may be provided to indicate the mode is active. The mode may be exited by sending a corresponding modifier key up, and the exit may be triggered in various ways, including by other gestures, mouse or pen events, and certain keyboard input.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively displaying selection indication fields is described. A user may select multiple items using various selection indication fields. The fields may be displayed all the time or may only appear if a pointing device or cursor is near the field or an associated item.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide a system and method for scrolling or dragging information on a display. A panning tool is provided that may scroll information, such as a web page, on a display in tandem with movement of a cursor. If interactive elements are present on the page or document, an interactive element may be activated as desired. Scrolling may be accomplished with the panning tool either on non-interactive elements or interactive elements that are not required to be activated. Furthermore, inertia of movement of the information on a display is optimized and autoscrolling is provided in which a page or document may be scrolled without dragging.

Abstract: Various technologies and techniques are disclosed that modify the operation of a device based on the device's context. The system determines a current context for a device upon analyzing at least one context-revealing attribute. Examples of context-revealing attributes include the physical location of the device, at least one peripheral attached to the device, at least one network attribute related to the network to which the device is attached, a particular docking status, a past pattern of user behavior with the device, the state of other applications, and/or the state of the user. The software and/or hardware elements of the device are then modified based on the current context.