Abstract: Embodiments of the invention enable the efficient use of shared resources by different processes, such as background and foreground processes sharing a mass storage device. Thus, disk intensive operations, such as file indexing, do not unduly interfere with higher priority processes. In one embodiment, a first process is permitted to access a computer resource for a first predetermined time period After the first predetermined time period has elapsed, the first process is inhibited from accessing the computer resource for a second predetermined time period. After the second predetermined time period has elapsed, a determination is made as to whether the computer resource is idle, wherein if the computer resource is not idle, the embodiment waits for a third predetermined time period and again determining if the computer resource is idle, and wherein if the computer resource is idle, the embodiment allows the first process to access the computer resource again.

Abstract: A search system comprises code. The code, when executed, is configured to generate a search mode interface including a search field, a list area for displaying a list of search result items, and a view area for displaying at least a portion of the contents of a selected search item. The code, when executed, is further configured to transmit a search query entered into the search field to an Internet search application. The code, when executed, is further configured to display search results received from the Internet search application. The code, when executed, is further configured to automatically retrieve webpages corresponding to at least a portion of the search results. The code, when executed, is further configured to display at least a portion of a first retrieved webpage in the view area at least partly in response to a selection of an item in the search results. The code, when executed, is further configured to detect a change of user focus from the list area to the view area.