Abstract: There is disclosed a method and a system for accessing information and/or data available on a wide area computer network (100), such as the Internet. A first modulated acoustic signal (A) is transmitted to a group of potential users each provided with a portable communication unit (1, 1*), this first modulated acoustic signal including at least one identifier (ID—1, ID—2, ID—3, . . . ) associated with a link to a determined site of the wide area computer network. These identifiers are stored in the portable communication unit then subsequently downloaded to a computer terminal (50, 51, 52) connected to the wide area computer network. After the downloaded identifier or identifiers have been compared with a determined list of identifiers (ID_A, ID_B, ID_C, . . . ), a list of links (Link_A, Link_B, Link_C, . . . ) to sites corresponding to the downloaded identifier or identifiers is generated by the computer terminal.

Abstract: The method for authorizing access to computer applications is implemented using a computer installation which includes a computer station (1) connected to an inter-computer communication network (9), a read unit (10) connected by an electric cable (2) to the station (1), and at least one personalized portable object (7) in communication with the read unit (10) for the transfer of data. The portable object (7), in particular a wristwatch, includes a memory, several positions of which for access words are kept secret by a read and/or write barrier and at least one position of which for a word is readable. The read unit (10) detects the object (7) close by, reads the readable word and commands the station (1) to connect itself onto a determined server (8) to look in a checking file to see whether the readable word forms part of a list of authorised words. In the affirmative, a password is transmitted to the station (1) so that the read unit (10) sends it to the object (7) to open the read barrier.

Abstract: The invention concerns a communication device (20) forming an interface between an electrically coupled reader (10), in particular with contact, and at least a radioelectrically coupled contactless device (30). The interface (20) comprises electronic coupling pads (24), in particular resistive contact pads, with corresponding coupling elements of the reader (10), and transmitting and/or receiving means for electromagnetic waves (26), in particular an antenna, designed to enable communication with the contactless electronic device (20). The interface (20) comprises in particular means (28) for managing data transfer between the contacts (24) and the antenna (26) so as to enable communication between the electrically coupled reader (10), requiring the insertion of a device with electrically coupled contacts, and the contactless electronic device (30). Preferably, the device (30) is arranged in a portable object capable of being fixed on part of the bearer, in particular a watch.