Abstract: A programming interface for a computer platform can include various functionality. In certain embodiments, the programming interface includes one or more of a first group of services related to re-usable user interface controls, a second group of services related to user interface dialogs and user interface wizards, a third group of services related to extending the user interface functionality, and a fourth group of services related to extending functionality of a desktop of the user interface.

Abstract: A programming interface for a computer platform may include various functionality. In certain embodiments, the programming interface may include a sidebar that provides dynamic communication access and information awareness in an integrated interactive peripheral display. Specified communication contacts and information elements may be dynamically tracked or received and provided to a user on an ongoing basis. This capability may be provided via a customizable dynamic thumbnail displayed in one or more columns in a persistent display strip along one edge of a display device. Information may be updated according to rules set by a user.

Abstract: Certain aspects of a generic user interface command architecture allow an application to host commands for presentation on a computing device. The commands can be written by the same designer or author as the application, or alternatively by other parties (e.g., by a third-party developer). Other aspects of the generic UI command architecture describe an application programming interface (API) that can be used to allow the application to host the commands. Other aspects of the generic UI command architecture describe an activation mechanism by which registered commands can be activated by an application.

Abstract: A programming interface for a computer platform can include various functionality. In certain embodiments, the programming interface includes one or more of a first group of services related to re-usable user interface controls, a second group of services related to user interface dialogs and user interface wizards, a third group of services related to extending the user interface functionality, and a fourth group of services related to extending functionality of a desktop of the user interface.

Abstract: Certain aspects of a generic user interface command architecture allow an application to host commands for presentation on a computing device. The commands can be written by the same designer or author as the application, or alternatively by other parties (e.g., by a third-party developer). Other aspects of the generic UI command architecture describe an application programming interface (API) that can be used to allow the application to host the commands. Other aspects of the generic UI command architecture describe an activation mechanism by which registered commands can be activated by an application.

Abstract: Certain aspects of a generic user interface command architecture allow an application to host commands for presentation on a computing device. The commands can be written by the same designer or author as the application, or alternatively by other parties (e.g., by a third-party developer). Other aspects of the generic UI command architecture describe an application programming interface (API) that can be used to allow the application to host the commands. Other aspects of the generic UI command architecture describe an activation mechanism by which registered commands can be activated by an application.

Abstract: A programming interface for a computer platform can include various functionality. In certain embodiments, the programming interface includes one or more of a first group of services related to re-usable user interface controls, a second group of services related to user interface dialogs and user interface wizards, a third group of services related to extending the user interface functionality, and a fourth group of services related to extending functionality of a desktop of the user interface.

Abstract: A programming interface for a computer platform can include various functionality. In certain embodiments, the programming interface includes one or more of a first group of services related to re-usable user interface controls, a second group of services related to user interface dialogs and user interface wizards, a third group of services related to extending the user interface functionality, and a fourth group of services related to extending functionality of a desktop of the user interface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for improving a user's ability to direct the computer to perform a desired function. A single uniform input control is provided that receives user input, such as from a keyboard. The present embodiment then parses the user input to determine its input type and whether the input type corresponds to a single, recognized action performable by the computer and, if so, performs the action. Such recognized actions include navigating to an Internet site and composing an e-mail message. If the input type does not correspond to a single recognized action, the user input is submitted to at least one text processor, such as a natural language processor, that analyzes the user input to obtain at least one interpretation corresponding to an action performable by the computer. The at least one interpretation is returned to the user who may select a desired action from among the listing of interpretations.