Abstract: A method scans a second web page linked to a first web page being displayed by a browser in a browser window. The method identifies, in the first web page, a target link to the second web page. Prior to receiving a user selection of the target link, the method prefetches content from the second web page and loads it into a safe cache according to a prefetching order before receiving the user selection of the target link and before the content of the second web page is opened by an application configured to provide access to the content of the second web page. The method scans the prefetched content from the second web page for a security threat, within the safe cache, which is configured to prevent the prefetched content from altering a memory location or storage location external to the safe cache.

Abstract: A method of enhanced browsing involves a first web page displayed by a browser in a first browser window. The first web page has a target link to a second web page. A computer system automatically prefetches content from the second web page. The method causes display in the first browser window of a first indicator proximate to and associated with the target link and prior to the computer system receiving a selection of the target link. The first indicator visually conveys in real-time an initiation of the prefetching of content from the second web page. In response to completion of the prefetching, the method causes display in the first browser window of a second indicator in place of said first indicator to visually convey in real-time the completion of the prefetching.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhanced browsing. The apparatus includes a user interface for presenting an enhanced browsing window of content identified by a link in a page displayed by a browser. The apparatus may include a prefetcher for fetching or prefetching the content and a cache for storing the window. The apparatus may also include an ad interface for retrieving advertisements for display with the content. When a first page is displayed in the browser, content identified by a link to a second page is automatically fetched and an enhanced browsing window, which may initially be invisible, is built. When a user mouses-over a status indicator associated with the link, the window is automatically displayed and the user can navigate the displayed content. The status indicator may change appearance to indicate a status of the prefetching (e.g., initiated, completed, success, failure, communication error).

Abstract: A method scans a second web page linked to a first web page being displayed by a browser in a browser window. The method identifies, in the first web page, a target link to the second web page. Prior to receiving a user selection of the target link, the method prefetches content from the second web page and loads it into a safe cache according to a prefetching order before receiving the user selection of the target link and before the content of the second web page is opened by an application configured to provide access to the content of the second web page. The method scans the prefetched content from the second web page for a security threat, within the safe cache, which is configured to prevent the prefetched content from altering a memory location or storage location external to the safe cache.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhanced browsing with security scanning. Within a document (e.g., a web page, a word processing document, a list of electronic mail messages), a link to other content or another document is selected by a computing device and the content is identified before a user clicks on the link to open the content. The content is placed into a safe cache that prevents the content from adversely affecting the user's computing device. The content is scanned and/or its behavior is analyzed to detect any security threats or undesirable content (e.g., viruses, worms, scripts, adware, spyware, pornography). Results of the analysis may be collected at a central server. The link or an associated indicator may be configured to indicate whether a threat is present; more information may be provided as desired. A user may be provided with various options to ignore a threat, disable the link, etc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhanced browsing with security scanning. Within a document (e.g., a web page, a word processing document, a list of electronic mail messages), a link to other content or another document is selected by a computing device and the content is identified before a user clicks on the link to open the content. The content is placed into a safe cache that prevents the content from adversely affecting the user's computing device. The content is scanned and/or its behavior is analyzed to detect any security threats or undesirable content (e.g., viruses, worms, scripts, adware, spyware, pornography). Results of the analysis may be collected at a central server. The link or an associated indicator may be configured to indicate whether a threat is present; more information may be provided as desired. A user may be provided with various options to ignore a threat, disable the link, etc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for look-ahead security. Within a document (e.g., a web page, a word processing document, a list of electronic mail messages), a link to other content or another document is selected and the content is identified before a user clicks on the link to open the content. The content is placed into a safe cache that prevents the content from adversely affecting the user's computing device. The content is scanned and/or its behavior is analyzed to detect any security threats or undesirable content (e.g., viruses, worms, scripts, adware, spyware, pornography). Results of the analysis may be collected at a central server. The link or an associated indicator may be configured to indicate whether a threat is present; more information may be provided as desired. A user may be provided with various options to ignore a threat, disable the link, etc.