Abstract: A method is provided for sending state and setting information on a local terminal to a remote terminal, for displaying the information, which is received, in an appropriate area in screen information on the remote terminal side, and for sending the processed screen information to the local terminal for display on the display of the local terminal. Also provided is a method for displaying the state and setting information on the local terminal in a transparent window through which underlying images can be seen.

Abstract: A data processing method is changed in accordance with the number pf colors in a bit map and the communication speed to thereby solve the problem in the background art. The number of colors used in the bit map is calculated. Image compression is performed by an appropriate compression method selected in accordance with the number of colors. Moreover, the image compression method is optimized in accordance with the communication speed between terminals in a remote operating system so that image quality can be prevented from being lowered in user's view. Accordingly, user's handling property and visibility can be kept good while the transfer size of image data can be reduced.

Abstract: A software distribution system includes a first management means is provided for controlling premise software. A second management means is provided to controls already installed software. A third management means is provided for controlling software affected by software updates. A distribuied-software determination means determines software to be distributed in accordance with a received command making a request for distribution of the software.