Abstract: A messaging application receives a sequence of user-consumable messages directed to at least one destination user. The messages are stored in non-volatile storage comprising one or more non-volatile storage devices, and the messages consist of a number of consumed messages having been consumed by the destination user, and a number of unconsumed messages not yet having been consumed by the user. An automatic message manager is configured to implement different respective retention policies for the consumed messages and the unconsumed messages. The retention policy for the consumed messages comprises automatically determining when the number of consumed messages exceeds a threshold for consumed messages, and in response automatically deleting at least one of the consumed messages from the non-volatile storage so as to bring the number of consumed messages back within the threshold for consumed messages.

Abstract: A messaging application receives a sequence of user-consumable messages directed to at least one destination user. The messages are stored in non-volatile storage comprising one or more non-volatile storage devices, and the messages consist of a number of consumed messages having been consumed by the destination user, and a number of unconsumed messages not yet having been consumed by the user. An automatic message manager is configured to implement different respective retention policies for the consumed messages and the unconsumed messages. The retention policy for the consumed messages comprises automatically determining when the number of consumed messages exceeds a threshold for consumed messages, and in response automatically deleting at least one of the consumed messages from the non-volatile storage so as to bring the number of consumed messages back within the threshold for consumed messages.

Abstract: A messaging application receives a sequence of user-consumable messages directed to at least one destination user. The messages are stored in non-volatile storage comprising one or more non-volatile storage devices, and the messages consist of a number of consumed messages having been consumed by the destination user, and a number of unconsumed messages not yet having been consumed by the user. An automatic message manager is configured to implement different respective retention policies for the consumed messages and the unconsumed messages. The retention policy for the consumed messages comprises automatically determining when the number of consumed messages exceeds a threshold for consumed messages, and in response automatically deleting at least one of the consumed messages from the non-volatile storage so as to bring the number of consumed messages back within the threshold for consumed messages.

Abstract: A messaging application receives a sequence of user-consumable messages directed to at least one destination user. The messages are stored in non-volatile storage comprising one or more non-volatile storage devices, and the messages consist of a number of consumed messages having been consumed by the destination user, and a number of unconsumed messages not yet having been consumed by the user. An automatic message manager is configured to implement different respective retention policies for the consumed messages and the unconsumed messages. The retention policy for the consumed messages comprises automatically determining when the number of consumed messages exceeds a threshold for consumed messages, and in response automatically deleting at least one of the consumed messages from the non-volatile storage so as to bring the number of consumed messages back within the threshold for consumed messages.

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: 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 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.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for controlling application software while switching between session in a multi-session computing environment. An apparatus includes memory coupled to switching logic and application program managing logic. The switching logic is configured to selectively switch console control of a computing device between at least two user kernel sessions that are maintained in the memory. The application program managing logic is configured to selectively control at least one application program that is operatively configured within at least one of the user kernel sessions. For example, the application program managing logic can be configured to stop the operation, restart certain application programs, notify application programs about switching events, and/or adjust the playback of audio and/or video signals associated certain application programs.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements are provided that can be used to identify users to an operating system during initialization through an advanced graphical user interface (GUI). The resulting GUI can be visually compelling and functional while advantageously remaining easy for the developer to create, maintain and modify. A markup language rendering engine is loaded substantially near the beginning of an operating system initialization procedure, and provided with markup language code that solicits at least one user input associated with a user logon process when rendered by the markup language rendering engine. The markup language code can be written in Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Dynamic HTML, eXtensible Markup Language (XML), eXtensible Hypertext Markup Language (XHTML), Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML), etc.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for managing, compiling, and displaying unpredictable digital content received from a plurality of sources, such as news information transmitted in RSS feeds. A layout may be selected from multiple display templates, each having slots for the segments of media that are received. Selection of the templates may be based on the properties of the segments. Further systems and methods are directed to displaying at least a portion of non-textual digital content, such as video and pictures, in a nested view designated for the non-textual graphical content. In one example, the portion of non-textual digital content presented in the nested view is determined by the properties of the non-textual digital content. In other instances, the quantity of the non-textual data may determine what portion is displayed in the nested view.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting a view mode and a preferred setting within that view mode for displaying one or more items in a screen display. A single user input indicates the selected view mode. The input mechanism can be a hardware device, such as a keyboard or mouse, or a software control presented in a graphical user interface. The software control includes a graphical depiction of the current view mode. A preferred setting for each available view mode may be stored and activated by the software control.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting a view mode from a plurality of view modes and for selecting a setting within the selected view mode for displaying one or more items in a screen display. A single user input indicates both a selected view mode and a selected setting within that view mode. The input mechanism can be a hardware device, such as a keyboard or mouse, or a software control presented in a graphical user interface. The software view control may include a setting range display indicating a plurality of available settings, a view mode range display indicating a plurality of available view modes corresponding to the plurality of available settings, and a user selection component.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements are provided for use in multiple user computing environments. These methods and arrangements can be configured to allow for a plurality of separate and concurrent desktops and workspaces within the shared computing environment. One method includes creating a separate desktop thread for each user that is authenticated during a logon process, creating a separate desktop associated with each desktop thread, and maintaining a list of desktop threads that are created. In this manner, several users can be logged on simultaneously. In certain implementations, the method further includes establishing a separate user environment associated with each desktop and launching a separate user shell associated with each desktop. The list of desktop threads allows for selective and/or automatic switching from a first desktop to a second desktop without terminating a desktop thread associated with the first desktop. The methods and arrangements are also applicable to remote process logon and switching.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting a setting within a selected view mode for displaying one or more items in a screen display. Continuous and discrete controls are simultaneously presented to the user. Input is accepted from either the continuous control or from the discrete control. The input mechanism can be a hardware device, such as a keyboard or mouse, or a software control presented in a graphical user interface. The continuous control includes a setting range display, visually indicating the range over which the setting may be adjusted, and a setting selection indicator visually indicating the current selection. The discrete setting control has a mode range display and a set of one or more discrete default settings which are available for selection.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements are provided that display at least one user input field within a graphical user interface and automatically display reminder information associated with the user input field through a non-modal mechanism within the graphical user interface. The methods and arrangements monitor user input activities and automatically display the reminder information associated with the user input field through the non-modal mechanism after a defined period of user input inactivity. For example, if a user is unable to remember a password, then the methods and arrangements provide for an automatic non-intrusive way for the reminder information, which the user previously entered when setting up their password/account, to be displayed. A tip balloon is one type of a non-modal display mechanism that does require the user to respond and does not interfere graphically and/or operationally with the ongoing graphical user interface supported process.

Abstract: Generally described, a method is provided for use in a computer system that allows users to navigate quickly through multiple applications. In accordance with the method, when the computer receives a signal from the user, it extracts a preview representing a screen shot for each window open within the operating system. It then displays the preview, a description, and an icon for the next window in the activation hierarchy and a description and an icon for the remaining open windows. In other embodiments, the previews for all open windows with corresponding descriptions and icons are displayed utilizing several different arrangements. The computer then receives a designation from the user of the next window he or she wants to make active and brings to the foreground the top level window corresponding to the selection.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for managing, compiling, and displaying unpredictable digital content received from a plurality of sources, such as news information transmitted in RSS feeds. A layout may be selected from multiple display templates, each having slots for the segments of media that are received. Selection of the templates may be based on the properties of the segments. Further systems and methods are directed to displaying at least a portion of non-textual digital content, such as video and pictures, in a nested view designated for the non-textual graphical content. In one example, the portion of non-textual digital content presented in the nested view is determined by the properties of the non-textual digital content. In other instances, the quantity of the non-textual data may determine what portion is displayed in the nested view.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for controlling application software while switching between sessions in a multi-session computing environment. An apparatus includes memory coupled to switching logic and application program managing logic. The switching logic is configured to selectively switch console control of a computing device between at least two user kernel sessions that are maintained in the memory. The application program managing logic is configured to selectively control at least one application program that is operatively configured within at least one of the user kernel sessions. For example, the application program managing logic can be configured to stop the operation, re-start certain application programs, notify application programs about switching events, and/or adjust the playback of audio and/or video signals associated certain application programs.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements are provided for use in multiple user computing environments. These methods and arrangements can be configured to allow for a plurality of separate and concurrent desktops and workspaces within the shared computing environment. One method includes creating a separate desktop thread for each user that is authenticated during a logon process, creating a separate desktop associated with each desktop thread, and maintaining a list of desktop threads that are created. In this manner, several users can be logged on simultaneously. In certain implementations, the method further includes establishing a separate user environment associated with each desktop and launching a separate user shell associated with each desktop. The list of desktop threads allows for selective and/or automatic switching from a first desktop to a second desktop without terminating a desktop thread associated with the first desktop. The methods and arrangements are also applicable to remote process logon and switching.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements are provided that can be used to identify users to an operating system during initialization through an advanced graphical user interface (GUI). The resulting GUI can be visually compelling and functional while advantageously remaining easy for the developer to create, maintain and modify. A markup language rendering engine is loaded substantially near the beginning of an operating system initialization procedure, and provided with markup language code that solicits at least one user input associated with a user logon process when rendered by the markup language rendering engine. The markup language code can be written in Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Dynamic HTML, extensible Markup Language (XML), extensible Hypertext Markup Language (XHTML), Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML), etc.