Abstract: For use with client/server or network communication and processing systems, such as the Internet, a "push" information system is provided, for automatically providing information to a user. The information is provided in audio form. The system includes a library of prerecorded sounds, including a dictionary of words and phrases. When information appears, for instance in text format, a mapper produces a sequence of audio clips from the library, to convey information substantially identical to that in the information. This sequence of audio clips is played at the user's terminal. Thus the user is exposed to the information, while the user continues to use an application on the terminal. The information does not require screen real estate, and the user need not look away from his/her work in order to receive the information.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for facilitating proof that a specific item, such as a document, has been sent via a communication medium, such as the mail service of the United States Postal Service, at a specific time. A bit map image is produced, such as by scanning a hard copy document. Preferably the bit map is compressed into a data string and hashed. The hash file is signed by a certifying authority, such as the USPS, using an existentially unforgeable signature scheme. The original document, a code representation of the string, and a code representation of the signature are sent via the communication medium. As a result, the combination of materials sent provides proof of the authenticity of the content of the document.