Abstract: A computing method and system is presented that allows multiple heterogeneous computing systems containing file storage mechanisms to work together in a peer-to-peer fashion to provide a fault-tolerant decentralized highly available clustered file system. The file system can be used by multiple heterogeneous systems to store and retrieve files. The system automatically ensures fault tolerance by storing files in multiple locations and requires hardly any configuration for a computing device to join the clustered file system. Most importantly, there is no central authority regarding meta-data storage, ensuring no single point of failure.

Abstract: A Secure File Distribution Network (SFDN) method and computer system allows copyrighted digital data files to be sold securely by independent sales parties and ensures that all authors and distributors of the work are paid all royalties and fees owed to them, regardless of who is selling the file. A verification authority tracks all buyers, sellers and digital data files being traded on the SFDN, matches buyers with sellers, and provides a digital data file search service for users of the system. Once a digital data file is located in the desired media format, and at an attractive price, a buyer and seller can negotiate a secure transaction. Once the transaction is completed using the SFDN, the verification authority distributes payments to the seller and all payees due a royalty payment. Thus the SFDN provides content authors security in earning a living while not impinging on consumer's fair use rights.

Abstract: A Secure File Distribution Network (SFDN) method and computer system allows copyrighted digital works to be sold securely by independent sales parties and ensures that all creators and distributors of the work are paid all royalties and fees owed to them, regardless of who is selling the work. A verification authority tracks all buyers, sellers and digital works being traded on the file sales network, matches buyers with sellers, and provides a digital works search service for users of the system. Once a digital work is located in a desired media format, and at an attractive price, a buyer and seller can negotiate a secure transaction. Once the transaction is completed using the SFDN, the verification authority distributes payments to the seller and all creators involved in a particular work. Thus the SFDN provides content creators security in earning a living while not impinging on consumer's fair use rights.