Abstract: A system for the authentication by a card-issuing financial institution of identifying information of a card-holding user of a public data network. The system includes a secure data entry device connected to the public data network and a gateway device connected to the public data network and to a private data network used for transmitting messages between financial institutions wherein. The secure data entry device enables the user to enter identifying information of a card issued by the card-issuing financial institution, and means for transmitting transmits the identifying information in a secure manner over the public data network to the gateway device. The gateway device transmits the identifying information to the card-issuing financial institution and receives an approval response from the card-issuing financial institution over the private data network. The approval response provides authentication of the identifying information by the card-issuing financial institution.

Abstract: CD storage device is disclosed which includes a housing (12) in which a carousel (40) is supported for rotation in the housing. The carousel has a number compartments (85) each for storing a CD. The device includes a controlling circuit board (46) which can couple with a computer so that CDs can be stored and retrieved by inputting information into the computer which causes the carousel to rotate to present the storage compartment having the required CD at an opening for discharge. The device (10) includes an ejector (96) for ejecting CDs from a storage compartment (85). The storage device (10) may include a reader (210) into which CDs can be loaded for reading and then restored in the device so that the CDs can be used without the user needing to remove a CD from the device and locate it in a reader in the user's computer.