Abstract: Method and systems are disclosed for enabling a computer system to generate a request that includes an instruction identifying the authentication method or methods to be used when authenticating a subset of the client computer systems or users network connected to a server computer system. The subset of client computer systems or users may include as little a single computer system or user. The request is then transmitted to the server computer system. When receiving subsequent requests for service from any of the subset of client computer systems or users, the server computer system will refer to the information in the instruction to determine which authentication methods are acceptable in authenticating the client computer system or user.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for permitting a user to specify the criteria for determining the success or failure of the transmission of an instant message. A computer system first identifies the user specified criteria. When the server computer system receives an instant message, the computer system determines whether the user specified criteria have been met. If the criteria are met, the computer system returns a successful acknowledgement message to the user. Since the user sets the criteria by which success will be determined, the meaning of a successful acknowledgement message will be clear to the user.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for permitting a user to specify the criteria for determining the success or failure of the transmission of an instant message. A computer system first identifies the user specified criteria. When the server computer system receives an instant message, the computer system determines whether the user specified criteria have been met. If the criteria are met, the computer system returns a successful acknowledgement message to the user. Since the user sets the criteria by which success will be determined, the meaning of a successful acknowledgement message will be clear to the user.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for controlling access to presence information using a plurality of different access permission types. Presence information is maintained over a computer network and describes availability of computers and associated users over that network. For example, instant messaging applications often involve maintaining presence information. Users control access to presence information using a number of different access permission types such as the right to view accurate presence information, the right to view any presence information, or the right to act on accessed presence information. By using several different access permission types, the present invention enables finer control over access to presence information.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for controlling access to presence information using a plurality of different access permission types. Presence information is maintained over a computer network and describes availability of computers and associated users over that network. For example, instant messaging applications often involve maintaining presence information. Users control access to presence information using a number of different access permission types such as the right to view accurate presence information, the right to view any presence information, or the right to act on accessed presence information. By using several different access permission types, the present invention enables finer control over access to presence information.

Abstract: A system for sending immediate popup messages between Internet users, the system including a user interface for sending messages and displaying messages in popup windows; a method and infrastructure for continuously tracking and reporting the online status of users, the infrastructure comprising servers and client software; and a method for communicating to users behind firewalls.