Abstract: Information is conventionally downloaded from a computer network to a computer operated, by a user, such as when the user is surfing the Internet. Downloading of information is enhanced by downloading addictional information selected by the user during idle times when the conventionally downloaded information is not being downloaded. The additional information may comprise web pages or other information previously selected by the user, which is downloaded in the background during the idle times. A graphic user interface is provide for accepting user selections of the addictional information, which may be displayed in a browser connected to the graphic user interface. The additional information is cached at the user's computer and can be displayed at time selected by the user.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for providing discovery services for servers during a startup sequence can include powering on a server in a domain; creating a listener socket for the server to accept coupling requests from other servers; registering server information for the server with a database; searching the database for other registered servers in the domain; establishing a couple to each of the other registered servers in the domain; and verifying validity of the couple to each of the other registered servers including performing a handshake. The server information registered with the database can include an IP address; a listener port; a domain; a version number; or a server type.

Abstract: According to the invention, a system for providing real-time notification of purchaser requirements in a heterogeneous network environment is provided. The heterogeneous network environment can include a public packet switched network, such as the Internet, and a wireless network, such as a plurality of pagers. Select embodiments include a plurality of wireless terminals in communication with the wireless network to receive real-time notification of a purchaser's requirements. At least one vendor computer is part of the system. The vendor computer has one or more databases for storing information about products and services in a product database, and a customer database, for storing information about customers. A plurality of client computers are part of the system. The client computers enable users to interact with the system to learn about and express interest in products and services.

Abstract: A small portable instrument monitors residual muscle tension as indicated by electrical activity from electrodes monitoring the muscles. A bio feedback signal is generated whenever tension exceeds a preset threshold and slows or stops as the tension is reduced towards the threshold. The bio feedback signal enables the user to learn how to voluntarily reduce excess muscle tension and lessen harmful health effects caused by stress. The instrument is battery powered, miniaturized and is designed to fit into an ambulatory setting.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for utilizing transaction databases in a client-server environment. The transaction databases can be used to receive and retain multiple server responses to consecutive client requests regardless of the temporal relationship between the multiple responses and consecutive requests. One method of the invention relates to how a client device displays information. This method is for use in a client-server system including one or more servers and a client device having a client transaction database, a client template database, and a user interface adapted to enable a user to enter requests. The method includes the steps of receiving a user request from the user via the user interface and retrieving a template from the client template database based on the user request. The template includes one or more data fields.