Abstract: A buffering protocol and a streaming media player which utilizes the buffering protocol designed for minimizing the occurrences of pauses during the presentation due to network congestion and for scheduling pauses at appropriate times in the presentation. The data comprises coded content information comprising a time synchronous media, together with various other sources, synchronized to appear at predetermined time points in the media presentation. The presentation is delivered in streaming fashion, so that the end user does not have to wait for the entirety of the data to be downloaded before starting the presentation. The invention does not require that media data and events data be multiplexed into a single streaming file and it does not require that the file provided to the media player be customized for prefetching of content.

Abstract: The present invention provides a browser which utilizes a Web access controller to limit access to pre-selected web sites. Such a browser is suitable for use in education, for example, where the intent is to keep students focused on a particular subject by restricting their access to predetermined relevant sites. The browser also has a “depth” parameter, whereby users are enabled to browse from those web sites on the select list to unlisted sites which are within the depth parameter away from the listed sites. This provides the users with the surfing capabilities inherent in the web. The Web access controller provides for a safer environment for children to browse through the Internet and a worry-free tool for parents.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for scheduling data download, such as web pages, databases or softwares, over a network such as the internet.