Abstract: An improved method is provided for transferring data files between a first computing device and a second computing device interconnected by a network. The method includes: establishing a first network connection between the first computing device and a second computing device using the hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP); registering a file transfer request for a given data file with a server application residing on the second computing device; establishing a second network connection between the first computing device and the second computing device using HTTP; retrieving the file transfer request from the server application via the second network connection; and transferring the data file via the second network connection in response to the file transfer request retrieved from the server application.

Abstract: Peer-to-peer communication is established between two remote computing units over a network channel, even though a permanent network address is not known. An originating computer sends a message over a monitor channel, such as a circuit-switched telephone line, to a receiving computer creating a triggering event. In response to the triggering event, either the originating computer or the receiving computer determines a network address associated with either the originating computer or the receiving computer. Then, using the network address, peer-to-peer communication between the originating computer and receiving computer is established over the network channel.

Abstract: Peer-to-peer communication is established between two remote computing units over a network channel, even though a permanent network address is not known. An originating computer sends a message over a monitor channel, such as a circuit-switched telephone line, to a receiving computer creating a triggering event. In response to the triggering event, either the originating computer or the receiving computer determines a network address associated with either the originating computer or the receiving computer. Then, using the network address, peer-to-peer communication between the originating computer and receiving computer is established over the network channel.

Abstract: A method and system which is adapted to receive a data stream, and test a series of multiple-bit sequences from this data stream against a plurality of different character forming criteria until both of the following events have occurred. Specifically, a predetermined number of the multiple-bit sequences must be received and tested, and a predetermined mix of multiple-bit sequences satisfying at least two of the character forming criteria must be received and tested. Once both of these events have occurred, then a data word format is determined from the results of this testing, and the computer is configured to interpret and output characters from the data stream in accordance with this data word format setting. The characters interpreted from the data stream are also tested against a plurality of terminal emulation criteria until a character sequence has been detected which is indicative of only one emulation standard.

Abstract: Data is tested in transit between a source medium and a destination medium, such as between two computer communicating over a telecommunications link or network. Each character of the incoming data stream is tested using a finite state machine which is capable of testing against multiple search strings representing the signatures of multiple known computer viruses. When a virus is detected the incoming data is prevented from remaining on the destination storage medium. Both hardware and software implementations are envisioned.