Abstract: Providing persisting search folders within a computer that continuously identify data items having metadata matching a query of search criteria. A query of search criteria formulated via a graphical user interface is applied to a search filter to create a search folder. When the search folder is made live, the search filter is used to search one or more data stores for data items having metadata matching the query of search criteria. Upon finding these data items, the search folder is populated with a link to each data item having metadata matching the query of search criteria. The search folder detects when any new data items are added to a data store and when a change occurs to any metadata of data items previously stored in a data store. Upon detection, the search folder store links to matching new or changed data items.

Abstract: Electronic mail messages are tracked for the sender by allowing the sender to flag the electronic mail messages. Flagging the electronic mail messages allows for various notifications to be provided to the sender. For example, notification may be provided to the sender by placing an item in a to-do bar for the sender that corresponds to the electronic mail message. As another example, notification may be provided to the sender by firing a reminder at some future time that corresponds to the electronic mail message. As another example, notification may be provided to the sender by including an indication in a related incoming electronic mail message that the incoming electronic mail message is related to the electronic message sent by the sender.

Abstract: An improved method and system are provided for creating tasks and for inputting information associated with created tasks according to an electronic task management application or system. Electronic correspondence items may be flagged as tasks. Upon flagging an individual electronic correspondence item, a corresponding task is created for the flagged item, and the created task is then populated into and exposed by one or more applications used for displaying tasks such as a tasks application, calendar application, or electronic to-do list application. Properties such as task start dates and task categories may be applied to the created task, as desired.

Abstract: An electronic “To-Do” bar is provided in which displayed upcoming tasks, meetings, appointments and the like. The electronic To-Do bar is displayed in a lightweight menu of tasks, meetings and appointments and is displayed persistently in addition to other software functionality or user interfaces displayed on a user's computer display screen according to other software applications or other software functionality in use. A user is presented with an always-visible list of upcoming tasks, meetings and appointments without the need to launch a separate tasks application or calendar application to view upcoming tasks, meetings or appointments.

Abstract: An improved user interface is provided for allowing the application of two properties or pieces of metadata to an object with a single user action. A two-dimensional radial menu (user interface) is provided. The radial menu is a generally pie-shaped user interface that is divided into two or more slices associated with two or more corresponding types of a first property that may be applied to a selected object. The menu is further divided to two or more circular sections so that each slice of the pie-shaped radial menu is further divided into two or more sections. Each circular section is associated with a type of a second property that may be applied to the object. By selection of a given section in a given slice of the radial menu, one type of the first property associated with the given slice and a one type of the second property associated with the given circular section of the slice are applied to the selected object with a single user action.

Abstract: An adaptive multi-line view user interface is provided that varies the manner in which data is displayed as the size of the user interface is changed. As the available horizontal space in the user interface becomes too small to display the text or data on a given display line, the data is rearranged to fit the available space. Text or data that will be truncated as the width of the user interface is decreased is moved to a separate display line beneath the line in which the truncated text or data was previously displayed. A maximum number of lines may be specified for displaying text or data. After the maximum number of lines is reached, additional text or data truncated by narrowing the width of the user interface is not displayed. The displayed lines of text or data may be displayed according to a progressively lighter font from line to line so that lines at or near the top of a given displayed text or data record are darker and more readily draw the attention of a reader.