Abstract: A method for updating a wallpaper for computer display, which operates on a server attached to a computer network. This method includes receiving a request from a client to fetch a wallpaper, and selecting the wallpaper from a collection of wallpaper based upon a personal profile of a user. It also includes retrieving the selected wallpaper, and sending the wallpaper across a network to the user on the client. In one embodiment of the present invention, the wallpaper is selected based upon a personal interest of the user. In a variation on the above embodiment, the client automatically requests new wallpaper at periodic time intervals, and also upon system initialization. Another embodiment of the present invention includes allowing the user to request an alternate wallpaper if the user does not care for the new wallpaper. Another embodiment includes registering a user for access to a collection of wallpapers for which there is restricted access.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for updating wallpaper for computer display including a server coupled to a network. The apparatus also includes a wallpaper database in communication with the server, for storing a collection of wallpapers for computer display, and a user database for storing personal profiles of system users. The apparatus employs a fetching mechanism within the server for retrieving the wallpaper from the wallpaper database based upon a personal profile of a user stored in the user database. This personal profile may specify an interest of the user and may also keep track of previous accesses of the user. In one embodiment, the server includes a website through which clients can navigate and access the wallpaper database. In a variation on this embodiment, the website includes a public portion, which is accessible to any registered user via the Internet, and a private portion, which is accessible only to users who are registered to access the private portion.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for ensuring that attachments intended to be included with an electronic mail message are affixed to the message prior to release of the message from a sender's electronic mail program. This embodiment eliminates the need to initiate a follow-up transmission to forward the intended attachment. This saves the sender from potential embarrassment as well as eliminating unnecessary network traffic. In this embodiment, the method includes maintaining a modifiable list of keywords and phrases which, when found in an electronic mail message, indicate that the composer of the message intends to include an attachment with the message. Upon composition of a message, an attachment verifier scans the message for the keywords and phrases. In this embodiment, if a keyword or phrases is found in the message and no attachments have been specified, a user is alerted to the possibility that an attachment was overlooked.