Patent ID: 8719602

Claim:
A computing device, comprising: a memory configured to store a value for a power user setting that is accessible by and common to applications stored on the computing device so as to configure operating modes of the applications to be at a same level of operating mode, wherein the power user setting includes a first power user setting capable of assuming one of a plurality of values including a first value indicative of a less experienced user and a second value indicative of a more experienced user; a processor configured to: provide an indication of the value of the first power user setting stored in the memory; receive a request to modify the value of the first power user setting, modify the value of the first power user setting stored in the memory responsive to the request; and, execute a first plurality of executable instructions to implement a first application, the first application configured to operate in a plurality of operating modes including a first mode in which a reduced functionality is made available if the first power user setting assumes the first value and a second mode in which an increased functionality is made available if the first power user setting assumes the second value, the first plurality of executable instructions including an instruction to retrieve the value of the first power user setting for use by the first application.