Abstract: An Internet access device employs a method for managing electronic mail messages for multiple users of the device. When one user retrieves his or her messages over a distributed computer network, such as the Internet, the device also retrieves status information regarding the remaining users' unread email messages. This enables the device to inform the other users as to their unread email. A computer-readable storage medium for storing data for access by a computer program being executed on a user interface device includes at least two data structures. A first data structure stored on the medium provides for retrieving electronic mail messages addressed to one of the users. A second data structure stored on said medium provides for retrieving status information regarding any unread electronic mail messages addressed to any remaining users.

Abstract: A method and apparatus enables accessing of the Internet by multiple users of a common device. Each user's cached information is uploaded to a predetermined server as part of a log-off process. Each user's cached information is also downloaded from the predetermined server as part of a log-on process. A processor in the common device executes a multi-user management process manages the users' cached information. The multi-user management process stores the user's cached information in local memory upon downloading it from the predetermined server, thereby enabling a browser application to function as if customized by each user. The browser application retrieves the cached information stored in local memory and updates the cached information during its logon session with a particular user, thereby ensuring the cached information remains up to date.

Abstract: A live switch application executes between the user (e.g., the client device and its applications) and the POP or host server. The live switch application serves to maintain the connection between the POP or host server and interacts with the POP or host server during an authenticating process to authenticate the user. By providing an efficient and effective process to reduce the number of steps (and therefore the time) needed to login to a server, the present invention enables use of a common device or Internet appliance by many users. This provides the ability of many users of a common terminal to access the Internet without unduly inconveniencing the users by a shared terminal.

Abstract: Registration of a communication device with a website is provided via a back end server connected directly to an ISP, and bypassing load balanced front end server that are providing the computing power to run a website. Also, required data can be retrieved upon a system crash by directly contacting the website via a direct dial-up connection. After an initial contact is made, further communications are performed directly between an ISP and a back end server associated with the website. In this way, resources for meeting user's requests are not compromised when other users wish to register for, or otherwise use, the features of the website.