Abstract: These and other objectives are attained with a method and system for updating software applications or systems on a target client. The method comprises the steps of providing the target client with an update manager; and using the update manager to initiate a procedure to compare the level of software or services on the target client with the level of software or services available on a specified server to determine if an update is available on the server for the software or services on the target client. If an update is available, the update is copied from the server to the target client. Preferably, the update manager registers with the server manger to have a specified one or more of the applications or systems updated. The preferred embodiment of the invention uses information that currently exists with the customer and vendor that can make the update process ore automated.

Abstract: Automated computerized methods, computer-readable medium containing computer-executable instructions, and apparatus are disclosed for viewing an information set originated from a distribution media and updating using remote server. Initially, an information set is viewed from a standalone distribution media. A user can select all, or one or more components to be updated from a remote server. The local computer system is then updated with a modified index from the local computer referencing the original distribution media and received files kept in local storage. This update process is efficiently performed, and provides for resumption of downloads in the middle of sets of files, or even within a single file. Additionally, when the viewing system includes a standard browser, a proxy agent is used to provide access portions of the file system not normally accessible to the browser. The updated information set is then able to be viewed when the computer system is not connected with the remote server.