Abstract: A method includes receiving the second information at the remote computer system during a second user initiated communication session from the user station automatically, wherein the user station triggers automatically sending the second information to the remote computer system, retrieving the previously stored third information at the remote computer system and matching at least a portion of the received second information with the stored third information.

Abstract: A method includes receiving first information at a remote computer system during a first user-initiated communication session for a user station not previously identified to the remote computer system, sending second information that is a function of and different from the first information to the user station over the communications network during the first user-initiated communication session stored automatically at the user station, storing third information based on the first information at a location remote from the user station, receiving the second information over the communications network during a subsequent and separate user-initiated communication session automatically from the user station, retrieving the stored third information using the received second information, during the subsequent and separate communication session and using the retrieved third information for interaction with the remote computer system during the subsequent and separate communication session.

Abstract: Systems and methods for idea adoption marketplaces are disclosed. These systems and methods may employ, for instance, the reach of the Internet, the frictionless commerce of electronic marketplaces, and/or the power of collaborative systems for learning and social decision support to facilitate, for example, the publication, development and/or adoption of useful inventions, whether patentable or not. These systems and methods may support the creation of rich, flexible, accessible, and/or effective marketplace processes for purposes such as creation and protection of intellectual property and/or for its development for the public good.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for using a transport function to provide and receive identifications of content available over a network and to provide and receive user-selected content over the network.

Abstract: Software stored on a computer-readable storage medium at a user station provides a plurality of functions including an online service selector function that enables a user at the user station to select any one of a plurality of available online service providers, and a communications function that establishes a communication link between the user station and the selected one of the available online service providers. Corresponding methods for operating a user station are also described.

Abstract: A novel electronic information transport component can be incorporated in a wide range of electronic information products, for example magazine collections, to automate the mass distribution of updates, such as current issues, from a remote server to a wide user base having a diversity of computer stations. Advantages of economy, immediacy and ease of use are provided. Extensions of the invention permit automated electronic catalog shopping with order placement and, optionally, order confirmation. A server-based update distribution service is also provided. In addition, an offline web browser system, with hyperlink redirection capabilities, a novel recorded music product with automated update capabilities and an Internet charging mechanism are provided.

Abstract: A novel electronic information transport component can be incorporated in a wide range of electronic information products, for example magazine collections, to automate the mass distribution of updates, such as current issues, from a remote server to a wide user base having a diversity of computer stations. Advantages of economy, immediacy and ease of use are provided. Extensions of the invention permit automated electronic catalog shopping with order placement and, optionally, order confirmation. A server-based update distribution service is also provided. In addition, an offline web browser system, with hyperlink redirection capabilities, a novel recorded music product with automated update capabilities and an Internet charging mechanism are provided.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions that, in response to being executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform operations including upon occurrence of a scheduled time, polling an update distribution server to determine that an update for a computer executable software application is available, the computer executable software application configured to operate on the computing device and in response to determining that the update is available, obtaining the update over the Internet from the update distribution server, and selecting whether to install the update at a first time or to defer installing the update until a second time that is later than the first time.

Abstract: A system for managing storage space on an electronic storage medium is provided in which a file format for stored data allows for progressive deletion of low-significance data, for example in a video or audio file, while allowing the remaining portions of the file to be subsequently retrieved. The file format allows for the ready deletion of low-significance data without having to open, edit and subsequently rewrite the data. Furthermore, rules-based algorithms for the deletion of low-significance data allow a user to store and progressively delete such low-significance data in accordance with time parameters, available storage space and the like, without having to delete the full file.

Abstract: A system for managing storage space on an electronic storage medium is provided in which a file format for stored data allows for progressive deletion of low-significance data, for example in a video or audio file, while allowing the remaining portions of the file to be subsequently retrieved. The file format allows for the ready deletion of low-significance data without having to open, edit and subsequently rewrite the data. Furthermore, rules-based algorithms for the deletion of low-significance data allow a user to store and progressively delete such low-significance data in accordance with time parameters, available storage space and the like, without having to delete the full file.

Abstract: A system for managing storage space on an electronic storage medium is provided in which a file format for stored data allows for progressive deletion of low-significance data, for example in a video or audio file, while allowing the remaining portions of the file to be subsequently retrieved. The file format allows for the ready deletion of low-significance data without having to open, edit and subsequently rewrite the data. Furthermore, rules-based algorithms for the deletion of low-significance data allow a user to store and progressively delete such low-significance data in accordance with time parameters, available storage space and the like, without having to delete the full file.

Abstract: Software stored on a computer-readable storage medium at a user station configured for communications with a multiplicity of independently-operated data sources via a non-proprietary network instantiates a user interface function that enables a user at the user station to select one of a plurality of available network communications service providers, a communications function that establishes a communication link between the user station and a selected one of the multiplicity of independently-operated data sources using the selected one of the network communications service providers, and a data transport function that effectuates data transfers between the user station and the selected one of the data sources via the established communication link. Corresponding methods and a dedicated user station providing corresponding functions are also described.

Abstract: Software stored on a computer-readable storage medium at a user station provides a plurality of functions including an online service selector function that enables a user at the user station to select any one of a plurality of available online service providers, and a communications function that establishes a communication link between the user station and the selected one of the available online service providers. Corresponding methods for operating a user station are also described.

Abstract: A method for controlling a user station configured for communications with a multiplicity of independently-operated data sources via a non-proprietary network includes steps for providing a user interface to enable a user at the user station to select multiple ones of the multiplicity of independently-operated data object sources to be polled; automatically polling each of the selected data object sources in order to determine availability of desired data at each of the selected data object sources; and automatically transporting desired data determined to be available from each of the selected data object sources to the user station. Software and a user station for implementing the method are also described.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions that, in response to being executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform operations including upon occurrence of a scheduled time, polling an update distribution server to determine that an update for a computer executable software application is available, the computer executable software application configured to operate on the computing device and in response to determining that the update is available, obtaining the update over the Internet from the update distribution server, and selecting whether to install the update at a first time or to defer installing the update until a second time that is later than the first time.

Abstract: A method for controlling a user station configured for communications with a multiplicity of independently-operated data sources via a non-proprietary network includes steps for providing a user interface to enable a user at the user station to select multiple ones of the multiplicity of independently-operated data object sources to be polled; automatically polling each of the selected data object sources in order to determine availability of desired data at each of the selected data object sources; and automatically transporting desired data determined to be available from each of the selected data object sources to the user station. Software and a user station for implementing the method are also described.

Abstract: A system for managing storage space on an electronic storage medium is provided in which a file format for stored data allows for progressive deletion of low-significance data, for example in a video or audio file, while allowing the remaining portions of the file to be subsequently retrieved. The file format allows for the ready deletion of low-significance data without having to open, edit and subsequently rewrite the data. Furthermore, rules-based algorithms for the deletion of low-significance data allow a user to store and progressively delete such low-significance data in accordance with time parameters, available storage space and the like, without having to delete the full file.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods for facilitating feedback-dependent transactions are provided. For example, feedback is collected on transactions involving particular buyers, with respect to the buyer, and then used to facilitate the process of pricing future transactions involving that buyer, selectively leading to further sales. In some embodiments, offers are made to buyers on behalf of sellers on the basis that the buyer may is permitted to set the price for the product/service after taking delivery of the item and then determining its actual value to the buyer. In such embodiments, the offer terms can optionally specify that the price setting will be tracked with respect to the buyer and reported through the computer network system, and specify that that information, with attribution to that buyer, can later be used by the seller (and/or other sellers) to determine whether to extend and fulfill other similar offers in the future.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing and receiving content over a wireless communication system, including off-line presentation of stored retrieved content is provided. The method includes receiving and storing an information object from a remote information object source for off-line use. Content from the stored information object is presented and includes information to construct a request for an additional information object from the remote information object source. A constructed request for an additional information object is sent to the remote information object source over the wireless network. After receiving the requested additional information object from the remote information object source, the content from the additional information object can be subsequently stored and presented.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for software distribution include providing and receiving application-specific information, services, and software component elements over a network.