Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for subsidizing Internet access through advertising using a “portal provider” that supplies a “mini-portal” to the users of selected Internet service providers (ISPs). The mini-portal includes communications hardware, for connecting to the Internet, and display software, for displaying advertisements or other messages from local non-volatile storage during idle time, such as when the user's computer is connecting to the Internet. Advertisers are sold access to display their advertisements through the display software, and the revenue thus generated may be used to subsidize providing the mini-portal and Internet access fees. A validation mechanism is provided wherein a validation server operated by the portal provider sends data to the mini-portal that helps keep the advertisements current, and gives the portal provider an ongoing role in providing advertisements to mini-portal users.

Abstract: A plug-in card for use with a personal computer is disclosed, which provides a combination of a modem, a network interface, and a network hub. The card permits the personal computer to share a single connection to a wide area network, such as the Internet with other computers which are connected to the network hub on the card. Integration of a modem, network interface, and network hub onto a single plug-in card provides cost savings, and improved ease of setup and use.