Patent ID: 7966572

Claim:
A computing device, comprising: one or more processors; memory coupled to the one or more processors; and a user interface implemented by executable instructions configured to be performed by the one or more processors, the user interface comprising: a start page configured to display one or more selectable logon controls each having a corresponding user-identifiable indicator; a desktop page configured to be displayed in response to one of the selectable logon control being selected, the desktop page further-configured to display user selectable controls in one or more regions of the desktop page and persistently display the user identifiable indicator corresponding to the selectable logon control from display of the start page to display of the desktop page; a transition from the start page to the desktop page, the transition configured to display after the selectable logon control has been selected but prior to display of the desktop page, the transition configured to display the user-identifiable indicator corresponding to the selectable logon control uninterrupted throughout the transition and to display elimination of non-selected selectable logon controls, thereby enhancing a computing session by providing seamless continuity when a user logs onto the computing system, the start page configured to include a user-configurable on-line selectable control enabling the user to designate an on-line status that is to be displayed to other users prior to, throughout, and subsequent to the transitioning from the start page to the desktop page without a change in the on-line status; and a start control displayed on the desktop page that is user-selectable to initiate that multiple applications start together at approximately a same time, the start control being configured to enable the user to select groups of applications to start together that were executing when a previous computing session was discontinued, that are often selected for use by the user, that were recently selected for use by the user, and that are most used by the user.