Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided in which a data file acquisition program is operable to determine the data transfer speed of a plurality of devices containing a predetermined data file. The methodology calculates a priority ordering of the devices based upon the data transfer speed, and divides the data file request into portions for parallel access and delivery of the requested data file such that all of the portions are delivered to the user at approximately the same time whereby faster devices will be requested to access and deliver larger file portions and relatively slower devices will be assigned to access and deliver relatively smaller portions of the requested data file. Upon receipt of the portions, the requested data file is assembled for further processing by the user.

Abstract: A browser background extension method and system for a Web browser such that a link access can be backgrounded during slow link access time periods in a computer network having a client connectable to one or more servers, the client having an interface for displaying a first hypertext document with a hypertext link to a second hypertext document located at a server. Initially, an access parameter is associated with the hypertext link. Next, the hypertext link to the second hypertext document is selected, in response to user input. Thereafter, an access time period is invoked in an active mode of a Web browser such that the hypertext link accesses the second hypertext document in response to the selection. Next, if the access time period proceeds at a rate of access slower than a desired rate of access, the link access is terminated in the active mode of the Web browser and continues thereafter in a background mode on a scheduled or opportunistic basis, in response to a subsequent user input.

Abstract: A method 401 and implementing system 101 are provided in which a site selection program is operable to selectively initiate sample data transfers from a plurality of mirror sites 313 on the Internet, and to make a determination, prior to a selection of a site to be contacted for a download, as to which of the sites exhibits the best transfer rates at the time of the site selection. The methodology includes a cut-off time 507 process for terminating a sample operation of any one site if the transfer time for a predetermined number of bytes "X" exceeds a predetermined maximum amount of time "Y" for the sample operation for any particular site. When the maximum time is exceeded, the program stores the number of bytes transferred during that time for comparison with other site data. After all sites have been sampled, the program determines a selected site which exhibits the best rate of data transfer, and selectively initiates the establishment of a communication link with the selected site.

Abstract: Method and system aspects for allowing control of data transfer from at least one website on the Internet by a server system hosting the website are presented.In a method aspect, the method includes establishing limits in the server system for allowable connection links to clients, comparing a current transfer session to allowable connection links, and controlling the current transfer session according to comparison results. The allowable connection links further include a maximum time allowed for the current transfer session, and an image data size limit.In a system aspect, a server system includes mechanisms for establishing limits for allowable connection links to clients, for comparing a current transfer session to the allowable connection links, and for controlling the current transfer session according to comparison results.

Abstract: Method and system aspects for allowing control of data transfer from at least one website on the Internet via a web browser on a client system are presented.A method, and client system for performing same, includes establishing limits for allowable connection links to websites, comparing a current transfer session to allowable connection links, and controlling the current transfer session according to comparison results. The allowable connection links further include a list of unallowable website, a maximum time allowed for the current transfer session, and an image data size limit.

Abstract: An improved method and system for accessing the most recent version of a requested data file that has been downloaded into a private network from a source external to the private network. The objects of the method and system are achieved as is now described. A network of computers is defined as private relative to one or more other networks of computers. More than one computer within said defined private network is specified as composing a "common cache." A copy of any data file entering the defined private network from a source external to the defined private network is cached at one or more computers which compose the defined "common cache." In response to a request from a computer within the defined private network for a specific data file which originates from a source external to the defined private network, a determination is made as to whether a copy of the requested specific data file is resident within the defined "common cache.

Abstract: A browser extension method and system for a Web browser in a computer network having a client connectable to one or more servers, the client having an interface for displaying a first hypertext document with one or more hypertext links to a second hypertext document located at a server. Initially, an access parameter indicating a selected parameter which describes an access to another hypertext document is associated with a hypertext link. Thereafter, the hypertext link to the second hypertext document is selected in response to user input. Next, an access time period is initiated, during which the hypertext link accesses the second hypertext document, in response to the selection of the hypertext document. Thereafter, the access parameter is displayed in response to initiating the access time period, permitting a user to review the access parameter.