Abstract: A computer-implemented system for matching people with each other includes a main computer server connectable to a network such as the Internet; a plurality of local servers connectable to the main computer server via a proprietary network, each of the local servers accessible via a telephone connected to a telephone network; and a database of user information distributed over the main computer server and the local servers. Each of the local servers and the main computer server has means for a particular user to update and read at least a portion of the database so as to match the particular user with at least one other user of the system. The main computer server provides means to update and read the database via a user computer connected to the Internet to access a server page. The local servers provide means to update and read the database via a telephone connected via the telephone network.

Abstract: In an on-line dating service, a database of subscriber information is searched to find at least one subscriber matching user search criteria. The subscriber information includes preferences of subscribers to the service. Personal preferences for a user are obtained as search criteria. The personal preferences and the subscriber information include at least: a gender preference; a geographic location preference; an age preference; appearance preferences; religious belief preferences; educational level preferences; and a goal preference, and the goal preference is one of "romance"; "friendship" or "a walk on the wild side", the geographic location preference is at least one of a postal code, a country, a city, a suburb, a block, or a street The subscriber information includes a date of last payment of a use fee by each subscriber and a date of last updating of a personal profile by each subscriber.

Abstract: The present invention uses a conventional telephone keypad to input alphanumeric information, wherein the user follows directions in automatically generated audio prompts heard over the telephone, to take appropriate action to provide the necessary alphanumeric information in an easy and convenient manner. No prior knowledge of the invention or training of the user is required. User input is confirmed in audio as the keypad is used, and the alphanumeric meaning of the input is confirmed in audio when such input is complete. The information is logged into a memory and added to a translation database if the information is not present in the translation database when the user confirms the alphanumeric meaning.