Abstract: A process and system for activating various programs are provided in a personal computer. The computer is initially provided with a registration shell. A data link is established between the personal computer and a registration computer. By providing the registration computer with various information, a potential licensee can register to utilize the program. Once the registration process is complete, a tamperproof overlay program is constructed at the registration computer and transferred to the personal computer. The tamperproof overlay includes critical portions of the main program, without which the main program would not operate and also contains licensee identification and license control data.

Abstract: A global data network communication system for communicating between diverse computer systems, each system provided with different protocols used to transmit, receive and understand information. At least one of the computer systems contains a memory into which a directory of information is stored to recognize the various protocols which are received from diverse computers and/or to transmit information to these diverse computers. This information contains the specific protocol which is being utilized by the diverse computer systems. A channel selector is provided which allows operator selection of the specific protocol characteristics of the particular station with which you wish to communicate.