Abstract: A computer having connections to a digital communication medium accepts purchase inquires and purchase orders, executes the purchase inquires and orders by interfacing with provider computer databases, and transmits an electronic digital signal which can be printed as a verification of an executed purchase order. In one embodiment, a computer having connections to the Internet collects information from a customer operating a remote computer via a user interface provided by the computer. The user interface is further used to display purchase information retrieved by the computer from provider computer databases. Once the customer authorizes a purchase, the computer executes the order and transmits computer code readable by a web browser that contains encrypted information which provides printable verification of the purchase order.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting secure fault tolerant transactions, such as financial transaction, remotely is disclosed. The transactions are conducted utilizing a portable processor device which is initialized and authorized according to the present invention. Thereafter, the portable processor operates to conduct transactions involving information exchange through unsecured communication paths according to a predetermined protocol. The protocol includes the use of atomic transactions within the portable processor device.