Abstract: A method and system for retrieving a selected type of information from a remote computer via a computer network using a disk token purchased from a vendor that is associated with a certain type of information and a certain number of pre-paid access units. The information is provided by a central computer that is connected with the user's computer via a computer network such as the Internet. To receive information of the type for which the user has pre-paid, the user loads the disk token into a disk drive of the user's computer. Under control of software stored on the disk token, the user's computer establishes a telephone connection with the central computer and transmits a serial number associated with the disk token. The central computer verifies the authenticity of the serial number and also verifies that an account associated with that disk token has a sufficient access unit balance to cover the cost of the information.