Abstract: In one embodiment, a computer program blocks windows categorized as bad windows, while allowing windows categorized as good windows to be displayed. The computer program may categorize a window by consulting one or more lists. In one embodiment, a list may be updated from time to time to optimize the computer program and prevent program-obsolescence. Techniques for defeating a window-blocking mechanism are also disclosed. In one embodiment, a computer program detects if a window is of a type that offers a product to a user. If so, the computer program provides a separate window containing information regarding the product. In one embodiment, a computer program detects if a user has a need for the computer program. If so, the user is informed of the efficacy of the computer program, which is then offered to the user.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a consumer is informed of a source of messages (“source”) during the downloading of an item over a network. Thereafter, messages delivered to the consumer are marked with a source indicator. An educational campaign may also be launched to further provide information about the source. For example, additional messages may be delivered to the consumer, with some of the messages containing further information about the source. The educational campaign not only helps in identifying the source, but also helps in ensuring that the consumer fully understands, and acknowledges, any agreement that the consumer entered into during the download process. In one embodiment, user interfaces that are in close proximity to each other are assigned different activation sequences to help prevent inadvertent activation of a user interface.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a consumer is informed of a source of messages (“source”) during the downloading of an item over a network. Thereafter, messages delivered to the consumer are marked with a source indicator. An educational campaign may also be launched to further provide information about the source. For example, additional messages may be delivered to the consumer, with some of the messages containing further information about the source. The educational campaign not only helps in identifying the source, but also helps in ensuring that the consumer fully understands, and acknowledges, any agreement that the consumer entered into during the download process. In one embodiment, user interfaces that are in close proximity to each other are assigned different activation sequences to help prevent inadvertent activation of a user interface.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a consumer is informed of a source of messages (“source”) during the downloading of an item over a network. Thereafter, messages delivered to the consumer are marked with a source indicator. An educational campaign may also be launched to further provide information about the source. For example, additional messages may be delivered to the consumer, with some of the messages containing further information about the source. The educational campaign not only helps in identifying the source, but also helps in ensuring that the consumer fully understands, and acknowledges, any agreement that the consumer entered into during the download process. In one embodiment, user interfaces that are in close proximity to each other are assigned different activation sequences to help prevent inadvertent activation of a user interface.

Abstract: In one embodiment, items are designated as members of a group of items. The group of items are then made available to users. Users who have received any member item are provided additional items. Additional items are provided to a user who has received a member item, so long as the user retains any member item and regardless of whether the user is utilizing any member item. For example, advertising or promotional materials may be provided to a user so long as the user retains any member item which may include free or reduced-cost computer programs. The delivery of advertising or promotional materials may occur even if the user is not using any of the computer programs. In one embodiment, the advertising or promotional materials are delivered over the Internet.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a computer program blocks windows categorized as bad windows, while allowing windows categorized as good windows to be displayed. The computer program may categorize a window by consulting one or more lists. In one embodiment, a list may be updated from time to time to optimize the computer program and prevent program-obsolescence. Techniques for defeating a window-blocking mechanism are also disclosed. In one embodiment, a computer program detects if a window is of a type that offers a product to a user. If so, the computer program provides a separate window containing information regarding the product. In one embodiment, a computer program detects if a user has a need for the computer program. If so, the user is informed of the efficacy of the computer program, which is then offered to the user.