Abstract: A system and method for tracking a data transmission, and for reporting the receipt of the data transmission and the level and/or type of interaction between the intended recipient user and the data transmission. Preferably, the length of time which elapses before the user receives the data transmission is measured and compared to a predetermined period of time. If the intended recipient user does not receive the data transmission within a predetermined period of time, and/or if the intended recipient user does not interact with the data transmission according to the predetermined level and/or type of interaction, then preferably the intended recipient user receives a data transmission through a different communication medium, such as voice mail if the original medium was e-mail, for example. More preferably, the sender user and/or another designated user is notified if such a period of time has elapsed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for selecting advertisements and other information from a computer network database based on user defined preferences and transmitting the selected advertisement in background mode over a communications link between the computer network and a local computer with minimal interference with other processes communicating over the communications link. This method includes monitoring the communications link and transmitting portions of the advertisement when the communications link line utilization is below a preestablished threshold. Methods and apparatus are also provided for displaying or otherwise presenting the selected advertisements on the user's computer. Additional methods and apparatus are provided for selecting and presenting information stored on a local storage media based on user defined preferences.

Abstract: A data portal for monitoring and downloading data from a data source comprising an interface application at a user client for displaying information integrally within a bar within an active one of a plurality of application windows and for maintaining the display in a new active window following exchange with a current active window so as to continuously display the information irrespective of exchanging active windows. Also described is a readable storage device for storing the interface application and a method and system for viewing continuously displayed data.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling data package distribution to be performed by a plurality of peer clients connected to each other through a network, such as a LAN (local area network). Each peer client can obtain data packages from each other or from an external server. However, each peer client preferably obtains data packages from other peer clients, rather than obtaining data packages from the external server.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling data package distribution to be performed by a plurality of peer clients connected to each other through a network, such as a LAN (local area network). Each peer client can obtain data packages from each other or from an external server. However, each peer client preferably obtains data packages from other peer clients, rather than obtaining data packages from the external server.