Abstract: An interpretive text system implemented in a host computer system. The host computer system, which may include multiple computers coupled together, includes one or more processors, memory, a fixed disk storage device and an interface to a communication link. The communications link provides a communication medium by which users can access the host computer from remote locations. The host computer includes interpretive text logic, which preferably is implemented in software running on the processor(s), that automatically generates a textual explanation of a set of variable data in response to user input. For example, the user may wish to see an explanation of a set of financial technical data regarding a particular security. The interpretive text logic automatically customizes a textual explanation for that particular security and provides the explanation to the user.

Abstract: An on-line communications service allows a plurality of service providers to provide services to respective groups of subscribers, with the on-line service from each provider being independent of the on-line service from other providers. The subscribers' access to features is maintained through service maps which are customized by the service provider interactively with the host computer. Upon log-on, the service map is downloaded to a subscriber's computer and defines the services which can be accessed, the appearance of the user interface and navigation through the services. Data for each provider's service is maintained separately from the data for other providers. Billing can be customized for each provider.

Abstract: An on-line communications service allows a plurality of service providers to provide services to respective groups of subscribers, with the on-line service from each provider being independent of the on-line service from other providers. The subscribers' access to features is maintained through service maps which are customized by the service provider interactively with the host computer. Upon log-on, the service map is downloaded to a subscriber's computer and defines the services which can be accessed, the appearance of the user interface and navigation through the services. Data for each provider's service is maintained separately from the data for other providers. Billing can be customized for each provider.

Abstract: An on-line communications service allows a plurality of service providers to provide services to respective groups of subscribers, with the on-line service from each provider being independent of the on-line service from other providers. The subscribers' access to features is maintained through service maps which are customized by the service provider interactively with the host computer. Upon log-on, the service map is downloaded to a subscriber's computer and defines the services which can be accessed, the appearance of the user interface and navigation through the services. Data for each provider's service is maintained separately from the data for other providers. Billing can be customized for each provider.