Described is distinguishing between input mechanisms to determine which
input mechanism was used to activate a start menu. A start menu is
selected that corresponds to the input mechanism that was used to
activate it. Further data corresponding to start menu interaction is
received, and action is taken via based on the further interaction. For
example, upon detecting activation of a start menu, how the start menu
was activated from among activation types is used to present a first
start menu/behavior for a first activation type, which may differ from a
second start menu/behavior activated via a second activation type. For
example, a determination may be made as to whether a start menu was
invoked via a pointing device or via keyboard; when via keyboard, a
search entry region may be provided, by which a user may directly enter
search criteria via the keyboard.