Abstract: A method for software distribution and compensation with replenishable advertisements is provided The software may be audio (e.g., music), a game, an application program, a database, or any other digital content. The method couples at least one advertisement to the software and provides the software/advertisement to a computer. The software/advertisement can then be installed on the computer and the computer can use both. While using the software, usage data is recorded on the computer and later posted to an external medium. The external medium may be a server associated with an advertiser or a financial institution. After a predetermine event but before the posting, at least one aspect of the software is prevented from being used. The predetermined event may be a number of times that the software is used, a lapse of time, or an attempt to use a certain portion of the software. After posting, the software can continue to be used.