Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamically and transparently renewing licenses associated with downloaded content. Licensing associated with content can allow the provider to retain control over the content after it has been downloaded on to the user's computer. A license file or similar licensing parameter is the key to retaining control over access to the content after it has been downloaded. The license file may also control copying of the content on to computers other than the original computer used. The dynamic renewal method will transparently renew the license files on a user's computer to allow the associated content to be used without disruption as long as the user's account is in good standing.

Abstract: The invention enhances automatic incident control, problem control, and problem prevention using information provided by the analysis or analysis data. The burden on the part of both users and providers to resolve problems is reduced by using a method of automatic analysis data upload and intelligent problem analysis and resolution. Problems are better identified, investigated, diagnosed, recorded, classified, and tracked until affected services return to normal operation and errors trends are used to proactively prevent future problems.

Abstract: The invention enhances automatic incident control, problem control, and problem prevention using information provided by the analysis or analysis data. The burden on the part of both users and providers to resolve problems is reduced by using a method of automatic analysis data upload and intelligent problem analysis and resolution. Problems are better identified, investigated, diagnosed, recorded, classified, and tracked until affected services return to normal operation and errors trends are used to proactively prevent future problems.

Abstract: A method and system providing access to electronic content includes receiving a request to access the electronic content from a user device, accessing a unique ID of the user device, and comparing the unique ID to a list of authorized user devices. The unique ID is used to determine if the user device is an authorized user device. If the user device is authorized, access is provided to the electronic content. If the user device is not authorized, determining if a maximum number of authorized user devices is reached. The user device is converted to an authorized user device, if the maximum number is not reached. If the maximum number of authorized user devices is reached, the user can be denied access to the electronic content or the system can request de-authorization of one of the authorized user devices to convert the user device to an authorized user device.

Abstract: A system and method of refreshing a user's pre-selected content automatically every time a playback device is connected to a provider system. The user selects what order and time the electronic content is provided and played back and electronic content to be “broken in” during a differently scheduled set of electronic content. The system can track which playback device is in use and provide “handoff” features between devices. The system allows a user to identify temporary playback devices. Another embodiment automatically generates playlists or schedules based on the user's previous selections. The system analyses the amount of unused memory on the user device and generates a playlist to fill any or all available memory on the user device. Also, if the user links the user's organizer, the system alters the user's schedule or customizes the automatically generated schedule to the user's date book.

Abstract: A method and system providing access to electronic content includes receiving a request to access the electronic content from a user device, accessing a unique ID of the user device, and comparing the unique ID to a list of authorized user devices. The unique ID is used to determine if the user device is an authorized user device. If the user device is authorized, access is provided to the electronic content. If the user device is not authorized, determining if a maximum number of authorized user devices is reached. The user device is converted to an authorized user device, if the maximum number is not reached. If the maximum number of authorized user devices is reached, the user can be denied access to the electronic content or the system can request de-authorization of one of the authorized user devices to convert the user device to an authorized user device.

Abstract: A method for generating a random string of characters can include the steps of determining a full character set. A full character set can include letters (both upper and lower case), digits, and other characters. Embodiments of a full character set are: the alphabet of one language, adding digits, and multiple alphabets. The method can reduce the full character set to a reduced character set. Reducing the full character set can include one or a number of steps, including removing at least one vowel from the full character set, removing at least one digit from the full character set, removing at least one letter from the full character set based on frequency of use, removing at least one digraph and/or. The random string of characters can be generated using the reduced character set. The random string of characters can be converted to a promotional code.

Abstract: The invention enhances automatic incident control, problem control, and problem prevention using information provided by the analysis or analysis data. The burden on the part of both users and providers to resolve problems is reduced by using a method of automatic analysis data upload and intelligent problem analysis and resolution. Problems are better identified, investigated, diagnosed, recorded, classified, and tracked until affected services return to normal operation and errors trends are used to proactively prevent future problems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing a user of an electronic device with an Automatic Upgrade Functionality (AUF), the ability to automatically upgrade software installations with a configurable amount of user interaction and interruption.