Abstract: A method of transmitting a message as packets over a network includes at least one from the group consisting of: forming packets with random sizes, transmitting the packets in random order, transmitting the packets through different routes in the network, and transmitting dummy data within the packets. An article of manufacture may include a computer-readable medium having instructions for causing a computer to perform at least one from the group described.

Abstract: A method for ensuring that usage information concerning a web site or advertisement is provided to an originator of data or advertising. An applet is embedded within accessible code, the applet is executed upon access of the accessible code, returning user related information, such as the address of the user, to the originator of the accessible code. The accessible code may be an advertisement. A gathering of additional information and waiting until a triggering event occurs before returning the additional information and the identity of the user. The triggering event includes closing of data associated with the accessible code being viewed by the user or viewer movement to another space. The additional information comprises how long the space was viewed, the number of other links accessed, and the identification of other similar links accessed.

Abstract: Disclose is a system, method, and program for accessing files maintained in a server that is capable of being accessed over a network. A request is received for a file maintained in the server. A determination is then made as to whether a copy of the requested file is stored in a storage system. The system then determines a delay time associated with retrieving the copy of the requested file from the storage system after determining that the storage system includes the copy of the requested file. A determination is then made as to whether the delay time exceeds a maximum delay time. The system retrieves the requested file from the storage system to return to the request after determining that the delay time does not exceed the maximum delay time. Alternatively, the system retrieves the requested file from the server over the network to return to the request after determining that the delay time exceeds the maximum delay time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system, method, and program for caching files retrieved from a server over a network. A computer system receives a request from a requesting computer system for a file maintained on the server. The computer system is capable of communicating with the server via the network. The computer system retrieves the requested file from the server over the network and stores a copy of the requested file in a primary storage. The computer system further returns another copy of the requested file to the requesting computer system. The computer system determines retrieved files to migrate from the primary storage to a secondary storage and migrates the determined retrieved files from the primary storage to the secondary storage. To determine the files to migrate from primary storage to secondary storage, the computer system may determine a distribution of file requests per unit of time according to file size for files maintained in the primary storage and the secondary storage.

Abstract: Messages containing non-dictionary and dictionary data objects are quickly exchanged between sending and receiving devices. Data stores of the devices contain a common dictionary cross-referencing each of multiple data objects with a different dictionary index code. Data objects in the dictionary are likely to be frequently exchanged. Prior to transmission of data objects, the sending device searches its dictionary for each data object. Each data object may include text, graphics, program segments, or another type of data object. If the data object appears in the dictionary, the sending device obtains its dictionary index code. Next, the sending device transmits a message representing the data objects to the receiving device. The message includes multiple subparts each corresponding to a different data object. If a data object is not present in the dictionary, its subpart comprises the content of the data object without any dictionary encoding.

Abstract: A server selectively filters and caches internet downloading requests from attached terminals, subsequently resubmitting cached requests appropriately. With the terminals connected to the internet via the server, the server is a focal point for all internet requests. Initially, the server receives a request from an attached terminal to download desired information from the internet. The received request contains a download code, such as a universal resource locator, identifying the desired information. The server determines whether the requested download should proceed based upon information obtained from one or more of sources such as (1) server-related limitations and status, (2) limitations set forth in a user profile, and (3) characteristics of the download itself, obtained from the download code and by tentatively forwarding the request to the internet and inspecting an initial response. The server applies certain criteria to these current conditions.