User friendly remote system interface

A method for controlling computer functions capable of operating in a plurality of modes, said plurality of modes comprising at least a first mode and a second mode, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a remote control device comprising a first button which generates a first signal indicating that a menu should be displayed;
• a plurality of numeric keys each of which generates a second signal, the second signal being a numeric signal indicating a numeric selection;
• a second button which generates a third signal indicating that an application specific function should be performed if the application is operating in said first mode;
• receiving at a computer signals generated by the remote control device over a wireless path;
• in response to receiving the first signal, displaying on a display device coupled to the computer and controlled by software executing on the computer a menu comprising choices of at least one application program each having an associated numeric accelerator;
• in response to receiving said second signal, launching the application program associated with the corresponding numeric accelerator;
• and,
• in response to receiving the third signal, causing the launched application program to perform a function pertinent to that particular application program if said launched application program is operating in said first mode.

A computer-readable medium having computer executable instructions for performing steps comprising:

• receiving at a computer signals generated by a remote control device over a wireless path, said computer capable of operating in a plurality of modes, said plurality of modes comprising at least a first mode and a second mode, said remote control device including a first button which generates a first signal indicating that a start menu should be displayed;
• a plurality of numeric keys each of which generates a second signal indicating a numeric signal;
• a second button which generates a third signal indicating that an application specific function should be performed if the application is operating in said first mode;
• in response to receiving the first signal, displaying on a display device coupled to the computer and controlled by software executing on the computer a menu comprising choices of at least one application program each having an associated numeric accelerator;
• in response to receiving said second signal, launching the application program associated with the corresponding numeric accelerator;
• and,
• in response to receiving the third signal, causing the launched application program to perform a function pertinent to that particular application program, if said launched application program is operating in said first mode.