Abstract: Methods and computer-readable media are provided for performing a federated search using a library description file to locate multiple data sources. For a federated search, a library description can be used to describe a set of data sources searched, and may further be used to describe how search results should be presented to a user. The format of such a library description file can include multiple elements, some of which provide information on how to display the library and others that define which data sources are included in the library. The library description file can be created according to library description template.

Abstract: A system and method for extending the functionality of an object previewed in a shell browser to improve the user experience. The shell browser provides an extensibility mechanism so that third party developers can extend the functionality of the default previewer for particular file types. A graphical user interface includes a control which enables a user to select a previewer for displayed files from a plurality of available previewers. Alternatively, the shell browser can automatically select a previewer from a plurality of available previewers. A data structure contains information indicative of the availability of multiple previewers in a shell browser.

Abstract: A system and method for user modification of metadata in a shell browser. A group of items and associated metadata values are displayed in a window of the shell browser. An edit control permits user modification of metadata values displayed in the window. The user can modify metadata associated with a welcome pane, a selected item, or multiple selected items. A data structure stored on one or more computer-readable media contains metadata associated with items displayed in a shell browser, including user modifiable metadata which is also displayed in the shell browser.

Abstract: A system and method for extending the functionality of an object previewed in a shell browser to improve the user experience. The shell browser provides an extensibility mechanism so that third party developers can extend the functionality of the default previewer for particular file types. A graphical user interface includes a control which enables a user to select a previewer for displayed files from a plurality of available previewers. Alternatively, the shell browser can automatically select a previewer from a plurality of available previewers. A data structure contains information indicative of the availability of multiple previewers in a shell browser.