Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes one or more processors having memory coupled thereto. The memory stores instructions executable to cause the system to perform a method that includes generating a request based on 1) transaction information that is available to a user and a service provider and relating to one or more transactions by a user, and 2) at least one user-specified preference as to a type of the transaction information upon which the request is based, communicating the request to a device of the user, receiving a response to the request from the user device, and determining the authenticity of the user based on the response. The request can be in visually or audibly form, such as a Captcha.

Abstract: A method for authenticating a user by a service provider includes providing at least one network, providing at least one processor, and using the at least one network and processor to receive user identification data from the user, generate and display to the user a Captcha-like challenge based on at least one previous transaction involving and known by the user and the service provider, receive a response to the challenge from the user, and determine whether the user is authentic based on the response.

Abstract: A method for authenticating a user by a service provider includes providing at least one network, providing at least one processor, and using the at least one network and processor to receive user identification data from the user, generate and display to the user a Captcha-like challenge based on at least one previous transaction involving and known by the user and the service provider, receive a response to the challenge from the user, and determine whether the user is authentic based on the response.

Abstract: A messaging system allows a message recipient to assign different message lengths to different messages. In one embodiment, the recipient sets the length of time per message. In another embodiment, the recipient programs the messaging system with codes that, when matched, enable longer messages. The recipient assigns the codes to “preferred” senders. The senders transmit the code, either explicitly, for example by a sequence of keystrokes, or automatically, for example by transmitting caller identification.

Abstract: A messaging system allows a message recipient to assign different message lengths to different messages. In one embodiment, the recipient sets the length of time per message. In another embodiment, the recipient programs the messaging system with codes that, when matched, enable longer messages. The recipient assigns the codes to “preferred” senders. The senders transmit the code, either explicitly, for example by a sequence of keystrokes, or automatically, for example by transmitting caller identification.

Abstract: A telephone for use in ISDN telephone systems that implement advanced features such as call forwarding and a method for operating an ISDN telephone system to provide such advanced features are provided for. In an ISDN telephone system implementing the invention, the telephone communicates commands to the switching system by sending codes to the switching system. These codes normally denote keys on the telephone that have been depressed by a user of the telephone. A user of the advanced telephone features having a conventional telephone signals the switching system to activate the advanced telephone feature by depressing a specific key on the conventional telephone.