Abstract: A system and method is disclosed in which a distributor system acts as an intermediary between a portal application on a user's computer and the Internet. In one aspect of the present invention, the distributor system acts as a shield between the Internet and the user, thus protecting the privacy and identifying data of the user. In another aspect, the distributor system provides copyrighted digital material to the user while also paying appropriate royalties to the copyright owner. In yet another aspect, the distributor system provides a computing community for the user by establishing the user as a member of an affinity group.

Abstract: A business model, system, and method for a business entity to distribute branding, advertising, marketing, and service (BAMS) data to consumer-users is described. The business entity establishes and maintains a venture server that transmits BAMS data to client applications installed on the electronic devices of consumer-users and controls usage and display of the BAMS data at the electronic devices. The client application, which is prepared and assigned a unique identifier by the business entity, performs a useful function that requires a graphical user interface (GUI) to be displayed in the display of the user's electronic device. After receiving the BAMS data, the client application stores it, and displays it in the GUI. The client application can be written so that no user information is transmitted from the electronic device to the venture server.