A computer device, such as a mobile phone or PDA for example, is able to access an application program or command, based upon selection of corresponding sequences of symbols. Such symbols can be polysemous in nature and thus be associated with a plurality of different meanings depending upon other symbols sequenced therewith. By utilizing polysemous symbols, a relatively large number of sequences can be developed and associated with programs and/or commands of the computer device, with only a relatively small number of symbols displayed. In devices such as PDAs and mobile phone where display space is a premium, such access to commands and programs can be invaluable.