Abstract: An operating system program launch menu, such as a Start menu, provides various mechanisms for a user to quickly and efficiently locate and launch desired data items such as programs, data files, storage locations, and the like. A search box within the program launch menu may be used to quickly locate programs, documents, communications, and other data items. An auto-complete feature may be used, e.g., when the user restricts the locations searched for the user-entered search text. A most commonly used program list may include programs based on various criteria including both frequency of use and recent use, thereby always including a most recently used item. An all programs view may display programs and documents in a hosted-tree view within the original confines of the program launch menu, thereby negating the need to open sub-menus on top of a large portion of the desktop displayed on the display device.

Abstract: An operating system program launch menu, such as a Start menu, provides various mechanisms for a user to quickly and efficiently locate and launch desired data items such as programs, data files, storage locations, and the like. A search box within the program launch menu may be used to quickly locate programs, documents, communications, and other data items. An auto-complete feature may be used, e.g., when the user restricts the locations searched for the user-entered search text. A most commonly used program list may include programs based on various criteria including both frequency of use and recent use, thereby always including a most recently used item. An all programs view may display programs and documents in a hosted-tree view within the original confines of the program launch menu, thereby negating the need to open sub-menus on top of a large portion of the desktop displayed on the display device.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods for managing software installed on a computer are provided. A first region of an interface displays a selection of software information views, including installed software, running software, and software updates. Selecting a view causes a second region of the interface to display the view, including a list of software. Selecting one of the pieces of software displays additional information about the software in a third region of the interface. A fourth region of the interface displays commands associated with the selected software information view. User-friendly names are used throughout the interface.

Abstract: An operating system program launch menu, such as a Start menu, provides various mechanisms for a user to quickly and efficiently locate and launch desired data items such as programs, data files, storage locations, and the like. A search box within the program launch menu may be used to quickly locate programs, documents, communications, and other data items. An auto-complete feature may be used, e.g., when the user restricts the locations searched for the user-entered search text. A most commonly used program list may include programs based on various criteria including both frequency of use and recent use, thereby always including a most recently used item. An all programs view may display programs and documents in a hosted-tree view within the original confines of the program launch menu, thereby negating the need to open sub-menus on top of a large portion of the desktop displayed on the display device.

Abstract: An operating system program launch menu, such as a Start menu, provides various mechanisms for a user to quickly and efficiently locate and launch desired data items such as programs, data files, storage locations, and the like. A search box within the program launch menu may be used to quickly locate programs, documents, communications, and other data items. An auto-complete feature may be used, e.g., when the user restricts the locations searched for the user-entered search text. A most commonly used program list may include programs based on various criteria including both frequency of use and recent use, thereby always including a most recently used item. An all programs view may display programs and documents in a hosted-tree view within the original confines of the program launch menu, thereby negating the need to open sub-menus on top of a large portion of the desktop displayed on the display device.

Abstract: An input device is provided that has tactile features for assisting a user with locating an actuator and/or that has features for avoiding inadvertent actuation of an actuator. The input device may include a digital pen having an actuator disposed along a shaft of the pen at a location generally beyond the grip region, and/or an actuator recessed within an outer diameter of the pen shaft. The digital pen may include tactile features for indicating the actuator region of the pen within which the actuator is located. A method is also provided for identifying an actuator or actuator region of an input device.

Abstract: An expansion device is provided for expanding the functionality of a mobile electronic device while in a mobile mode and/or in a desktop mode. The expansion device may be a media slice that provides multimedia functionality to a mobile electronic device. The media slice may be configured to receive an electromechanical interface from the mobile electronic device and to replicate the electromechanical interface for connecting to another expansion device, such as to a docking station or a port replicator. The expansion device and the mobile electronic device may be connected via a latch mechanism that easily couples and de-couples the devices. An expansion system is also provided that includes a support stand for providing orientation and support features for a computing device and/or an expansion device.

Abstract: A system and method for determining whether a flick gesture has occurred is described. A flick gesture is a simple gesture that may be easily detected and is characterized by minimal interference with other applications or gestures.

Abstract: A system and method for determining whether a flick gesture has occurred is described. A flick gesture is a simple gesture that may be easily detected and is characterized by minimal interference with other applications or gestures.

Abstract: A system and method for determining whether a flick gesture has occurred is described. A flick gesture is a simple gesture that may be easily detected and is characterized by minimal interference with other applications or gestures.

Abstract: A system and process for handling clips with annotations is described. A user annotates a document. The system gathers context information regarding the clip and displays the clip or clips with annotations to the user.

Abstract: Computer systems and methods allow users to receive, save, access, and/or display handwritten information as electronic ink in objects managed by an operating system and/or that are accessible by the operating system. Such systems and methods may allow the operating system to receive, save, access, and/or display electronic ink file names, author identifiers, keywords or comments, and the like. Some examples of such systems and methods include: (a) receiving electronic ink data associated with a document or file; (b) storing the electronic ink data; and (c) providing operating system access to the stored electronic ink data. Then, whenever the file name (or other information) is displayed in an object managed by the operating system, it will be displayed in electronic ink format. Additionally, aspects of the invention relate to computer-readable media including instructions stored thereon for performing the methods and operating the systems described above.