Abstract: Server capacity is increased on a network computer system. A total number of peers that an individual client will communicate with directly is determined. Then, a total number of clients handled by a server interconnected to the individual client is reduced by the determined total number or peers.

Abstract: A matrix is created for storing the various verified methods of communication that are available between a plurality of hosts. Each host pair has two or three values stored in the matrix to indicate the known methods of communications between each other. A first value indicates whether unreliable multicast communications are possible, not possible or not yet determined. A second value indicates whether unreliable unicast communications are possible, not possible, or not yet determined. A third optional value may indicate whether reliable unicast communications are possible, not possible, or not yet determined. The mode of communications between each pair of hosts is then selected in the order of unreliable multicast, unreliable unicast, and, finally, reliable unicast.

Abstract: No more than one user at any one time is allowed to access a distributed service for each User ID and password. A user is allowed initial access to the distributed service with a password. The use of the distributed service is then restricted to the user upon entering the password plus a random factor created by the user. A user record is created as a unique recorded registration.

Abstract: A software communication system is configured with a base connection point with a plug-in type architecture. A plurality of classes is used that implements a specified interface, the interface including a method for receiving packet data. Each one of the plurality of classes is assigned to a component identifier. The plurality of classes are registered using a corresponding component identifier, and information in a packet is used to select an appropriate one of the classes to receive the packet data.

Abstract: An optimized design for a multi-user server architecture for disseminating a variety of real-time application data, such as audio, video, text and motion, while supporting general purpose tools. A general server system without an imposed GUI enables the end purchaser to customize the user interface as well as execute tools to monitor and control the operation of the system.

Abstract: Collaboration capabilities (both "push" and "pull" of information) are portably added to World-Wide Web content. In particular, a persistent connection is maintained to a shared state server for retrieving data via a "push" mechanism which maintains the freedom to access arbitrary Web content via the "pull" mechanism. Moreover, the collaboration is provided in a portable manner, in the same way that all other Web content is portable both across hardware platforms and across browser implementations.