1. A computer-implemented method for displaying alert information, the method comprising: in a mobile computing device having a touch-sensitive display screen, displaying device status indicators to a user of the computing device in a status area of a graphical user interface on the touch-sensitive display screen, wherein the status area (a) displays a plurality of icons that indicate current statuses of different parameters for the computing device, and (b) is defined by a status area periphery that spatially separates the status area from an application area of the graphical user interface that displays one or more applications executing on the computing device; receiving information from an application to display an alert in the status area; displaying in the status area and contained within the status area periphery a first level of textual information for the alert and a user-selectable control; displaying, in response to user selection input selecting the user-selectable control, a second level of information for the alert that provides greater detail than the first level of textual information, wherein the user selection input is received through user contact with the touch-sensitive display screen, and wherein the first level of textual information displayed in the status area and contained within the status area periphery includes text that describes the second level of information; and in response to additional user selection input selecting the second level of information, activating an application associated with the received information, wherein the application is focused on a third level of information for the alert that provides greater detail than the first level or second level of information, wherein the additional user selection input is received through user contact with the touch-sensitive display screen.