Abstract: When a request for a web page is received on a server from a client, the web page is returned to the client with a client program (e.g., an applet) and a program tag. The program tag specifies a session identifier corresponding to the client. Once the web page is loaded, a start method is initiated on the client to cause a (start) message to be sent to the server. The start message causes any running disconnection timers associated with the client to be canceled. When the web page is later terminated on the client, a stop method is initiated and a (stop) message is sent to the server. The stop message causes the server to initiate a disconnection timer for closing the session with the client. If the stop method is not canceled within a predetermined amount of time, the client is disconnected from the server.