Abstract: In response to the user query of a first data source, the first data source is search and search results, if any, are displayed. In addition, a second data source is searched using the same or a similar query and the results, if any, are displayed.

Abstract: Integrated management of local media files stored at a computer and remote media files accessible via a data communication network. A hierarchical structure displayed in a user interface of a media player application represents local and remote media libraries and permits media player operations on the media files from either the local media library or the remote media library or both. The user interface is configured to receive user input and the media player application is responsive to the user input for performing the media player operations.

Abstract: Integrated management of local media files stored at a computer and remote media files accessible via a data communication network. A compressed catalog of the remote media files is stored locally on the computer. A user interface of a media player application displays the contents of a library of local media files and the contents of the compressed catalog. The user interface is configured to receive user input and the media player application is responsive to the user input for performing the media player operations on media files from either the local media library or the compressed catalog or both.

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 method and system for managing the layout of an application window during a resize operation. An application is responsive to a resize request to automatically resize the application window to have minimum height and/or width the dimensions when the user adjusts one or more of the window's dimensions below a threshold value. The application is also responsive to the resize request to selectively add or remove control components from the user interface in response to size adjustments to the window being made by the user.

Abstract: One or more task page dialogs are housed within a frame. Each task page includes a header region and a content region. The header region includes a title serving as a main instruction regarding what input is expected within the content region. The content region includes text and/or user interface controls as defined by an application program requesting creation of the task page. A task page may also contain a footer region having button controls for a user to indicate that he or she has completed the task page and/or to terminate the task (or series of tasks) with which the page is associated. An application program requests creation of a task page by calling a programming interface function. Included in the function call are references to data for each of one or more pages.

Abstract: A system and method for a user interface which allows for the navigation of content in multiple display regions. Each of two or more sets of content is associated with regions on a display. A unitary navigation control enables simultaneous navigation of the two or more sets of content in response to a user input. A scrollbar may aid user interaction with the navigation control, and the navigation control may permit navigation of the sets of content at uniform or variable rates. A system and method for a user interface which allows for the navigation of one set of content while a second, related set of content remains static.

Abstract: A method and system for verifying whether basic security is installed, up-to-date, and functioning on a computer. A user interface is provided that provides prescription items that are associated with status indicators that readily indicate the status of the prescription items. An overall status indicator readily indicates whether the security of the computer needs attention. The user may select which types of security vulnerabilities for which the user wishes to receive notification. The user may indicate that the user will be responsible for monitoring third party solutions that are not detected by the security center.

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: 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: A system and method for resizing tiles on a computer display is provided. The tiles are automatically sized until a user takes control after which the user may manually size the tiles. Size limits may be set for the tiles. If an attempt is made to automatically resize a tile above a specified limit, then a notification may be sent to the user requesting approval for the new tile size. If the user does not approve the new size, then the tile will be placed in a manual sizing mode in which further automatic resizing is limited. If the user approves the new size, then further automatic resizing may occur without requesting further approval. The tiles are prevented from being automatically resized too frequently, which could be distracting or annoying to a user.

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.