Abstract: A method for collecting user data and constructing a user profile as a digital content vending machine, DCVM is employed which includes an infrastructure and an inventory on a client in a computerized device. The infrastructure presents a graphical user interface on the client which may metaphorically resemble a pillar cover or a plurality of stores operated by vendors. User-customers shop by navigating the pillars or visiting the stores, thus viewing and selecting assets (inventory) and their actions during this are monitored to collect data.

Abstract: A method for providing offline advertising on a user's personal computerized system that has a display unit and a primary storage unit. A campaign set is provided in the primary storage unit, wherein at least part is stored in the primary storage unit prior to its being received by the user, either as part of or by addition to the personal computerized system. The campaign set includes a plurality of ads each having respective deployment attributes. A viewable window is generated on the display unit, wherein this viewable window includes at least one position. An ad from the campaign set is retrieved based on its respective deployment attributes. And the ad is presented in said position, thereby permitting the user of the personal computerized system to view said ad.

Abstract: A system for targeting and delivering digital content to a user on a personal computerized system having a primary storage unit and a communications link. A client in the personal computerized system includes an inventory of local digital content installed in the primary storage unit before the user receives it. The client also includes an infrastructure application that manages the inventory and makes digital content accessible to the user. A user profile is used by a logic to choose remote digital content, which is humanly perceivable either visually or audibly, to become additional local digital content. A logic then receives these additional instances from a remote computer system via a communications link and a logic displays them to the of the personal computerized system.

Abstract: A method for providing offline advertising. A digital content vending machine, DCVM includes a client on a personal computer, PC. The DCVM contains an infrastructure and an inventory of digital content, which includes advertisements. The infrastructure and inventory may both be stored in a hard drive, or the inventory may instead be stored on a removable media, such as a CD, DVD, or tape. Customers shop in a plurality of stores operated by vendors and the advertising is then presented to them. A master server may also be provided to update the infrastructure and inventory, particularly including advertisements into the inventory.

Abstract: A method for collecting user data and constructing a user profile as a digital content vending machine, DCVM is employed which includes an infrastructure and an inventory on a client in a personal computer, PC. The infrastructure presents a graphical user interface on the client which may metaphorically resemble a plurality of stores operated by vendors. User-customers shop in the stores by viewing and selecting assets (inventory) and their actions during this are monitored to collect data.

Abstract: A local portal system including a personal computerized system having a display and a primary storage unit. The primary storage unit is provided with an inventory of local digital content which has been installed before its being received by a user. Logics then operate a persistent desktop object (PDO) which is perceivable on the display by the user and present a presentation of digital content with the persistent desktop object which initially includes at least part of said local digital content.

Abstract: A method for distribution to and management of an inventory of digital content in a digital content vending machine, DCVM. The DCVM includes an infrastructure and an inventory in a client on a personal computer, PC. The infrastructure presents a graphical user interface on the client containing a plurality of stores operated by vendors. Customers shop in the stores by viewing information about and selecting assets inventory. One or more master servers are provided to update the infrastructure and inventory.

Abstract: Generally a computer network includes a file server (22), a network (26), and several client workstations (24). Specific network software provides a name server ("NS") (122) to resolve network-name requests. The computer network can also include a proxy for a network service, e.g. a network infrastructure cache (72) that stores files copied from the server (22). Automatic network-name-services configuration adds to this:1. a traffic-monitor module (132) that identifies shared network services, and collects service use data;2. a dynamic redirection service ("DRS") module (126) that receives the collected data, extracts therefrom pairs of client workstations (24) and services, employs a performance metric to order those pairs, and compiles a list (138) of workstations (24) and services that are assigned to the proxy; and3.

Abstract: A network-infrastructure cache ("NI Cache") transparently provides proxy file services to a plurality of client workstations concurrently requesting access to file data stored on a server. The NI Cache includes a network interface that connects to a digital computer network. A file-request service-module of the NI Cache receives and responds to network-file-services-protocol requests from workstations through the network interface. A cache, also included in the NI Cache, stores data that is transmitted back to the workstations. A file-request generation-module, also included in the NI Cache, transmits requests for data to the server, and receives responses from the server that include data missing from the cache.