Abstract: The user mounts a distributed storage medium in his or her terminal unit, selects desired information from stored information, and notifies the host central computer through a network. The host computer generates key information for use in deciphering the selected information by combining the identifier of the selected information, user identification, etc. and sends the key information to a user terminal unit. The user deciphers the selected information according to the transmitted key information, and then accesses the information.

Abstract: The user mounts a distributed storage medium in his or her terminal unit, selects desired information from stored information, and notifies the host central computer through a network. The host computer generates key information for use in deciphering the selected information by combining the identifier of the selected information, user identification, etc. and sends the key information to a user terminal unit. The user deciphers the selected information according to the transmitted key information, and then accesses the information.

Abstract: A club with a conference room function and a remote installation system (RIS) function is displayed on a terminal of a user through a network. A plurality of clubs are hierarchically structured. A user uploads a software program that he has created to one of the clubs so as to publish the software program for which a fee may be or may not be charged. A supervisor of a club links to a software program being uploaded to another club or moves the authority of the club to another club. Another user can download a desired software program from any club. A supervisor of each club can flexibly manage software programs registered in the club.

Abstract: A client receives a remote installation service (RIS) activated by a browser through the Internet, and notifies an RIS server of a software number corresponding to an icon pointed to and clicked by a pointing device on a home page. The RIS server provides various services such as software distribution, online shopping, communications service, transaction service, etc. according to the information.

Abstract: An identifier managing device is used in a software distribution system in which software programs are distributed to distribution terminals from a distribution center through a network, for managing information including identifiers of the distribution terminals. A host computer in the distribution center sells the software programs corresponding to the request from users at the distribution terminals, each of which is assigned a terminal identifier and a terminal password. Each of the users is assigned a user identifier and a user password. A distribution identifier is written in the software programs before the software programs are sold, and the host computer manages the history of the distribution of the software using these identifiers and the passwords. The terminal password is rewritten whenever the terminal accesses the host computer for preventing illegal duplications of the software programs at the users end.

Abstract: Remote installation system and method for enabling a user to obtain any software through a communication line and automatically install it without taking a long time and requiring labor. A host computer transmits first and second key tables and to a terminal and a display displays keywords, included in these tables on a screen. The user selects keywords, which correspond to his target software, on the screen and the host computer sends a list of software, which corresponds to the keywords he selected, to the terminal. He selects his target software prom the list which is informed to the host computer. The host computer selects it from a software group and stores it on a hard disk of the terminal through a communication line, after checking its operation circumstances using a circumstance file. It is automatically registered in the system and its drive icon is displayed in a storage window.