Abstract: A multimedia download timer system and method is provided. The multimedia download timer system allows users to purchase large content files from a source, such as an Internet content provider, and select various times to download the content files to the users' computers. For example, the large content files may comprise motion pictures, videos, audio files, such as music, or games. The various download times may be associated with various price options.

Abstract: A throttling control system according to the invention provides broadband Internet access via a wireless infrastructure. In the system, subscribers use wireless modems coupled to computers, such as a desktop, laptop or handheld computer, to access the Internet. A wholesaler that manages base stations and routers may lease available signal bandwidth to a plurality of resellers/ISPs, which sell Internet services to subscribers. The throttling control system may be used to ensure each router provides pre-determined signal bandwidth limits for each ISP and its subscribers.

Abstract: Personalized information retrieval from a network is enabled through a user configuration file which is created and/or edited by the user and stored in a database server. The file specifies what information the user would like to retrieve from the network and how that information is to be displayed. When a user attempts to retrieve information from the network, a system server responds to the request by uploading one or more request-servicing software modules, identifying the requesting user, and retrieving the user's configuration file from the database server. The system server then retrieves and formats network information in accordance with the configuration file. Finally, the formatted information is forwarded to the user's access device for display. By providing network users with a personalized information retrieval scheme, the invention allows each user to tailor the retrieval of information to the user's personal needs and to the capabilities of the user's network access device.

Abstract: A system and method for designating and retrieving information over the internet. At least one webpage is accessed and individual portions of the at least one webpage are designated, each of the individual portions being associated with an underlying information content. The designated individual portions of the at least one webpage are positioned within a single configuration display screen and the format of the single configuration display screen including the designated individual portions of each webpage are stored in a configuration file. The configuration file and underlying information content associated with each of the designated individual portions are retrieved and positioned on an output display screen in accordance with the configuration file.