Abstract: A system and process for interacting with a system in an insecure state is described. Before logging into a secure state of a computer system, a user is able to access limited information including calendar information regarding meetings for that day and the like. In some aspects of the invention, a user may interact with a displayed note pad for receiving handwritten or typed notes. Aspects of the described system and method permit a user to quickly review or interact with a computer prior to logging into a secured state of the computer system.

Abstract: Methods of using a soft keyboard are disclosed. A soft keyboard having one or more soft keys with a symbol displayed on the one or more soft keys is provided. A modifier may be applied to one of the symbols displayed on one of the soft keys by selecting the soft key and then providing a directional input. In an embodiment, different directional inputs are associated with different modifiers so that different symbols are inputted depending on the directional input. In an embodiment, a user may prove the direction input with a touch and directional drag of a selector across a touch sensitive screen. In an embodiment, a plurality of symbols associated with a plurality of modifying keys are made visible after the soft key is selected so that the user can visually determine which directional input will provide the desired symbol.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to selectively protecting electronic ink (e.g., digitized or captured electronic signatures) from duplication.

Abstract: A method for transliterating languages in a computer system is disclosed. The method includes using a phonetic mapping engine to map languages to phonetic strings and vice versa. A user unfamiliar with a keyboard layout for a particular language may type phonetic strings using a known keyboard layout of a language known to the user. The typed input is captured by a keyboard hook, and based on a predefined phonetic mapping scheme, can be converted to the desired language.

Abstract: A system and process for interacting with a system in an insecure state is described. Before logging into a secure state of a computer system, a user is able to access limited information including calendar information regarding meetings for that day and the like. In some aspects of the invention, a user may interact with a displayed note pad for receiving handwritten or typed notes. Aspects of the described system and method permit a user to quickly review or interact with a computer prior to logging into a secured state of the computer system.