Abstract: The invention includes a method of hosting Internet content. The method includes the step of receiving an address of a definition from a computing device, where the definition defines a frame and a location of content with which to fill in the frame. The definition is located in a database utilizing the address. The definition is transmitted to the computing device. A method of the invention also includes permitting access to a database containing a set of definitions, where the set of definitions defines a frame and a location of content with which to fill in the frame. Instructions are received to modify a selected definition of the set of definitions. The selected definition is modified to create a new selected definition.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of presenting distributable computer readable media to a user in response to a user request. The method comprises the steps of identifying a definition of a Networked Information Monitor (NIM). A NIM frame is defined for the NIM using the definition. Content is then retrieved for the NIM. Then, the content is placed in a NIM viewer defined by the frame. The invention also includes a method of altering a Networked Information Monitor (NIM). The method includes the step of receiving a message at a NIM. The message specifies a configurable feature of the NIM. The NIM is altered in accordance with the configurable feature of the message.

Abstract: A software component for accessing and displaying Internet content includes a definition for rendering a graphical user interface within which Internet content may be presented outside of and without utilization of a web browser application. The component also includes a network reference, such as a URL, pointing to the Internet content such that the Internet Content may be downloaded and presented within said user interface. A component provider may thus create customized displays within which intended web-content may be rendered. An application component may be used in association with the software component to manage the collection, organization, sharing, and rendering of a plurality of such software components.

Abstract: A server maintains and provides access to application media packages for accessing and displaying Internet content. These packages include a definition for rendering a graphical user interface within which Internet content may be presented outside of and without utilization of a web browser application. The packages also include a network reference, such as a URL, pointing to the Internet content such that the Internet Content may be downloaded and presented within said user interface. A representation of each package on the server available for downloading is provided. A user may select one or more desired packages for downloading. An application media viewer may also be made available for downloading.

Abstract: A software application component for coordinating the accessing and displaying of Internet content operates to acquire and render media packages which include a definition of a graphical user interface and a network reference, such as a URL, pointing to Internet content to be downloaded and presented within said user interface. The application component may also manage the collection, organization, sharing, and rendering of a plurality of such media packages.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of tracking distributed content within a computer network. The method includes the step of identifying the delivery of a set of Network Information Monitors (NIMs). Information about each NTM within the set of NIMs is tracked. The information includes a first time at which a user opens a selected NIM, a second time at which the user closes the selected NW, and an identifier for the selected NIM. The information is used to determine sub-sets of NIMs that are displayed simultaneously. The invention also includes a method of identifying the delivery of a Network Information Monitor (NIM) to a user. Content information for the NIM is recorded. NIM use activity is tracked the user for a set of NIMs. The content information is correlated with the NIM use activity.