Abstract: A system for using an Internet appliance for sending and receiving digital content files as email attachments includes a system server and an Internet appliance both connected to a communications network such as the Internet. The Internet appliance and system server define communication and control protocols based on server maintained user interface display screens and Internet appliance received reduced keyset keystroke sequences. The protocols define text entry and editing, and option selection and navigation via hyperlinks embedded within the user interface display screens. An email protocol permits selection of server stored digital content files for attachment to outgoing emails and the receiving and viewing-of/listening-to video/audio digital content files that arrive as email attachments. All digital content files are maintained at the server and accessible at the Internet appliance only for viewing via browser and listening.

Abstract: A system for using an Internet appliance for sending and receiving digital content files as email attachments includes a system server and an Internet appliance both connected to a communications network such as the Internet. The Internet appliance and system server define communication and control protocols based on server maintained user interface display screens and Internet appliance received reduced keyset keystroke sequences. The protocols define text entry and editing, and option selection and navigation via hyperlinks embedded within the user interface display screens. An email protocol permits selection of server stored digital content files for attachment to outgoing emails and the receiving and viewing-of/listening-to video/audio digital content files that arrive as email attachments. All digital content files are maintained at the server and accessible at the Internet appliance only for viewing via browser and listening.

Abstract: A network access device uses a standard video display to show functional choices and network content received from the Internet to a user. The user directs the functional operation of the network access device with a simple reduced keyset remote control unit having a relatively small number of keys similar to a consumer remote control used for television receivers and video recorders. The control choices are displayed to the user in a unique format with elements associated to characters corresponding to the same characters in the reduced keyset. The display format uses several display areas, some of which can be designated as input focus areas, any one of which can be active at a given time. The device affords low cost ready access to the informational capabilities of the Internet for users at all skill levels by eliminating a full text keyboard and a mouse.