Abstract: An Internet-based operating system providing data and application software stored on a server that may be selectively downloaded to a client device upon request, allowing server-based applications to be accessed and executed on the client device. The end user, operating a client device may access a wide variety of application software with no need to purchase, install, and maintain the software on his machine. Using an easy-to-use GUI, a user selects an application, opens existing or creates new files. The application executable code is identified by a link embedded in a stream of markup language, typically XML. The operating system allows complex applications to be executed on thin clients having limited memory/storage capacity.