Abstract: An inventory management, and a shipping/returns management system can be analyzed to determine various performance characteristics of an e-commerce operator, such as whether the latter maintains sufficient items to meet demand, whether distribution is occurring in a timely fashion, etc. The systems are analyzed using one or more anonymous proxy accounts.

Abstract: A recommender system can be analyzed to determine various performance characteristics of an online content service provider. The recommender system is analyzed using a predetermined policy, to determine if it satisfies such policy, and/or has other measurable intended and/or unintended biases. The policy can include such parameters as whether a particular profile is presented with certain particular types of items by the recommender system. The reliability of search engines can also be tested using a similar approach.

Abstract: A network based distribution system and method for distributing/temporarily renting playable media items, such as movies in a digital format. The distribution system includes a number of components that interoperate to improve a subscriber's experience, including an intelligent queue monitor which works on his/her behalf to ensure that an adequate and interesting list of tides is made available to the subscriber based on selection logic which can be specified by the user.

Abstract: A network based distribution system is disclosed for distributing/temporarily renting playable media items, such as movies in a digital format. The distribution system includes a number of components that interoperate to improve a subscriber's experience, including an intelligent queue monitor which works on his/her behalf to ensure that an adequate and interesting list of tides is made available to the subscriber.

Abstract: A network based distribution system and method is disclosed for automatically exchanging playable media items, such as movies in a digital format. The automatic exchange system includes a number of components that interoperate to improve a subscriber's experience, including an intelligent queue monitor which works on his/her behalf to identify potential items of interest for the subscriber. The system can thus automatically exchange for desirable tides, including other titles from other subscribers, under a set of programmed directives from the user, and/or in response to supply/demand requirements of other subscribers.

Abstract: A network based distribution system and method is disclosed for permitting subscribers to exchange playable media items, such as movies in a digital format. The exchange system includes a number of components that interoperate to improve a subscriber's experience, including an intelligent queue monitor which works on his/her behalf to identify potential items of interest for the subscriber. The system can thus automatically exchange for desirable titles, including other titles from other subscribers, under a set of programmed directives from the user, and/or in response to supply/demand requirements of other subscribers.

Abstract: A word processing tool is disclosed for checking the substance and not merely the spelling of words provided by a user. The word checker is capable of identifying potentially inappropriate word choices so that unintentional errors are not introduced into electronic text documents. The word checker can be implemented as a stand-alone procedure, or integrated into a conventional spell-checking program.

Abstract: A network based queue replenishment system and method is disclosed for assisting subscribers to temporarily rent playable media items, such as movies in a digital format. The system includes a number of components that interoperate to improve a subscriber's experience, including an intelligent queue replenisher which works on his/her behalf to ensure that an adequate and interesting list of titles is made available to the subscriber. The replenisher can be integrated as part of the e-commerce website, at a separate monitoring site, or as a stand alone package based at the user's client computing system.

Abstract: A distribution method is disclosed for distributing/temporarily renting playable media items, such as movies in a digital format. A number of components interoperate to improve a subscriber's experience, including an intelligent queue monitor which works on his/her behalf to ensure that an adequate and interesting list of titles is made available to the subscriber.

Abstract: An intelligent queue monitor works on behalf of subscribers to an electronic media service provider to ensure that an adequate and interesting list of titles is made available to the subscriber. The queue monitor can be integrated as part of the e-commerce website, at a separate monitoring site, or as a stand alone package based at the user's client computing system.

Abstract: A notification system method is disclosed for alerting subscribers to a status of their rental queues. The system includes a number of components that interoperate to improve a subscriber's experience, including an intelligent queue monitor which works on his/her behalf to ensure that an adequate and interesting list of titles are brought to the attention of subscribers.

Abstract: A word processing tool is disclosed for checking the substance and not merely the spelling of words provided by a user. The word checker is capable of identifying potentially inappropriate word choices so that unintentional errors are not introduced into electronic text documents. The word checker can be implemented as a stand-alone procedure, or integrated into a conventional spell-checking program.