Abstract: A system and method is provided that enables a postal customer to order a shipping label on-line via the internet. The label may be a mailing label to be placed on letters or parcels. The label includes information such as postage, delivery address, return address, and a barcode for tracking delivery information. A user may request both a label and postage in what, to the user, appears to be a single computerized connection on a single internet web-page. A postage indicia is provided through a postage provider with whom the user has a deposit or credit. The label itself may be generated through a label-generating application hosted or generated by an entity separate from the postage provider.

Abstract: Secure software distribution is initiated by sending software media files to a recipient machine as an attachment to an electronic mail message. The software media files include an installation script that copies the program files and creates the icons necessary to run the application. The recipient opens the electronic mail message in his mail folder and clicks on an installation button to activate execution of the installation script. After successful completion of the installation the script is marked “used” and cannot be used again. Marking of the installation script as “used” also disables the forwarding mechanism of the electronic mail software to prevent the user from accessing a second copy of the software. When the recipient saves the electronic mail message, the “used” flag is set and the script can continue. The installation script stores the encrypted hard drive serial number into the system registry.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for processing two analog composite video signals to be displayed to a human observer. The system includes at least a first and a second video source for generating first and second analog composite video signals respectively, and a selector coupled to the first and second video sources. The selector is operative to supply either the first or second analog composite video signal to one input of a video processor and independently and simultaneously supply either the first or second analog composite video signal to a second input of the video processor. The video processor is operative under control of a CPU to generate an output analog composite video signal comprised of a portion of the analog composite video signal supplied to the video processor's first input and a portion of the analog composite video signal supplied to the video processor's second input.

Abstract: A system supplies power to and controls the frequency of electronic circuitry. The system comprises a DC source for supplying power to the electronic circuitry and a voltage controlled oscillator powered by the DC source. An output of the oscillator provides a system clock for the electronic circuitry such that as a voltage of the DC source continuously drops, the operating voltage of the electronic circuitry and oscillator continuously drops and the frequency of the system clock continuously drops in a manner corresponding to the continuous drop in operating voltage. Thus, the oscillator supplies an operating frequency tailored to the operating voltage to permit the electronic circuitry to operate at high speed.

Abstract: A video display, which may be a television receiver with associated set top device, an intelligent television receiver, or a personal computer system enabled for television display, has associated therewith a remote control of the three axis type which controls modification of the visual images displayed. The remote control cooperates with a microcontroller.