Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for processing a file over a computer network. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus of the invention includes a computer server adapted for communication with a server database including at least one file accessible from a client computer. The apparatus further includes a document processing module including computer readable instructions for receiving a file identifier of the file from the client computer. A copy of the file identified by the file identifier is saved to the database upon receiving an instruction to save the copy and is prevented from being saved to any other location.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated system for processing a file over a computer network. The automated system for processing the file preferably includes a client computer adapted to communicate with a server computer adapted to communicate with a database including at least one file in a first file format accessible by the computer and a printing process module including computer readable instructions for allowing a copy of the file to be directly printed independently of being accessed by an application program associated with the file. In addition to directly printing a document, in at least one embodiment, the file copy can also be directly transmitted via facsimile and/or electronic mail without accessing the copy via its associated application program. The invention can allow for speedier printing, emailing, or facsimile, as the application program is not activated.