Method and system for distributing updates by presenting directory of software available for user installation that is not already installed on user station

DC CAFC

US 6,557,054 B2
Filed: 04/20/2000
Issued: 04/29/2003
Est. Priority Date: 05/31/1994
Status: Expired due to Fees

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1. A computer implemented method for distributing software from a remote computer system to a user station, the method comprising:

responsive to an identification of software already installed on the user station, presenting a directory of software available for installation on the user station and not already installed on the user station;

sending to the remote computer system over a communications network a selection of software for distribution to the user station, wherein the selection of software is selected by a user at the user station responsive to the directory; and

receiving from the remote computer system over the communications network software indicated by the selection.

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Abstract

A method for distributing information to a plurality of uncoordinated user stations each of which is configured for communications with a multiplicity of independently-operated servers via a non-proprietary network includes steps for providing a distribution service that distributes updates for a plurality of different products, and providing a transporter software component to each of the plurality of uncoordinated user stations, wherein the transporter software component at each user station automatically effects communication sessions with the distribution service via the non-proprietary network for the purpose of obtaining updates for each of at least a subset of the plurality of different products that are installed on that user station. Moreover, a user station, which includes a storage medium, a plurality of different products installed on the storage medium, and transporter software installed on the storage medium for automatically effectuating communication sessions with a distribution service via a non-proprietary network in order to obtain updates for each of the plurality of different products, and a distribution service that distributes updates for a plurality of different products to a plurality of uncoordinated user stations via a non-proprietary network, are also described.

528 Citations

376 Claims

1. A computer implemented method for distributing software from a remote computer system to a user station, the method comprising:
- responsive to an identification of software already installed on the user station, presenting a directory of software available for installation on the user station and not already installed on the user station;
  
  sending to the remote computer system over a communications network a selection of software for distribution to the user station, wherein the selection of software is selected by a user at the user station responsive to the directory; and
  
  receiving from the remote computer system over the communications network software indicated by the selection.
- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
- - 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the identification of software already installed on the user station is determined without requiring the user to identify the software.
  - 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the directory is provided by the remote computer system.
  - 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the software indicated by the selection is received from the remote computer system only after the user confirms that the software should be received.
  - 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system.
  - 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule.
  - 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by the user.
  - 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by the remote computer system.
  - 9. The method of claim 1, wherein, once the software indicated by the selection is received from the remote computer system, the software is automatically installed on the user station.
  - 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the directory describes updates to at least a portion of the software already installed on the user station.
  - 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is facilitated using an HTML viewer at the user station.
  - 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the communications network includes the Internet.
  - 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the user station comprises at least one of a computer, cable television controller, video game player, information kiosk, wired personal communicator, wireless personal communicator, personal information communicator, personal digital assistant, information appliance, and system controller.
  - 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is facilitated using a user interface provided at the user station by an entity associated with the software indicated by the directory.
  - 15. The method of claim 1, wherein:

16. A computer implemented method for distributing software from a remote computer system to a user station, the method comprising:
- providing information enabling the user station to present a directory of software available for installation on the user station and not already installed on the user station based on the information and an identification of software installed on the user station;
  
  receiving at the remote computer system over a communications network a selection of software for distribution to the user station, wherein the selection of software is selected by a user at the user station responsive to the directory; and
  
  distributing to the user station over the communications network software indicated by the selection.
- View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
- - 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the identification of software already installed on the user station is determined without requiring the user to identify the software.
  - 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the directory is provided by the remote computer system.
  - 19. The method of claim 16, wherein the software indicated by the selection is received from the remote computer system only after the user confirms that the software should be received.
  - 20. The method of claim 16, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system.
  - 21. The method of claim 16, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule.
  - 22. The method of claim 16, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by the user.
  - 23. The method of claim 16, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by the remote computer system.
  - 24. The method of claim 16, wherein, once the software is distributed to the user station, the software is automatically installed on the user station.
  - 25. The method of claim 16, wherein the directory describes updates to at least a portion of the software already installed on the user station.
  - 26. The method of claim 16, wherein the method is facilitated using an HTML viewer at the user station.
  - 27. The method of claim 16, wherein the communications network includes the Internet.
  - 28. The method of claim 16, wherein the user station comprises at least one of a computer, cable television controller, video game player, information kiosk, wired personal communicator, wireless personal communicator, personal information communicator, personal digital assistant, information appliance, and system controller.
  - 29. The method of claim 16, wherein the method is facilitated using a user interface provided at the user station by an entity associated with the software indicated by the directory.
  - 30. The method of claim 16, wherein:

31. A computer implemented method for distributing software from a remote computer system to a user station, the method comprising:
- presenting, at the user station, as a function of an identification of software already installed on the user station, a directory of software available for installation on the user station;
  
  sending to the remote computer system over a communications network a selection of software for distribution to the user station, wherein the selection of software is selected at the user station as a function of the directory; and
  
  receiving from the remote computer system over the communications network software indicated by the selection.
- View Dependent Claims (32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45)
- - 32. The method of claim 31, wherein the identification of software already installed on the user station is determined without requiring a user of the user station to identify the software.
  - 33. The method of claim 31, wherein the directory is provided by the remote computer system.
  - 34. The method of claim 31, wherein the software indicated by the selection is received from the remote computer system only after a user of the user station confirms that the software should be received.
  - 35. The method of claim 31, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system.
  - 36. The method of claim 31, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule.
  - 37. The method of claim 31, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by a user of the user station.
  - 38. The method of claim 31, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by the remote computer system.
  - 39. The method of claim 31, wherein, once the software indicated by the selection is received from the remote computer system, the software is automatically installed on the user station.
  - 40. The method of claim 31, wherein the directory describes updates to at least a portion of the software already installed on the user station.
  - 41. The method of claim 31, wherein the method is facilitated using an HTML viewer at the user station.
  - 42. The method of claim 31, wherein the communications network includes the Internet.
  - 43. The method of claim 31, wherein the user station comprises at least one of a computer, cable television controller, video game player, information kiosk, wired personal communicator, wireless personal communicator, personal information communicator, personal digital assistant, information appliance, and system controller.
  - 44. The method of claim 31, wherein the method is facilitated using a user interface provided at the user station by an entity associated with the software indicated by the directory.
  - 45. The method of claim 31, wherein:

46. A computer implemented method for distributing software from a remote computer system to a user station, the method comprising:
- providing information enabling the user station to present a directory of software available for installation on the user station based on the information and an identification of software installed on the user station;
  
  receiving at the remote computer system over a communications network a selection of software for distribution to the user station, wherein the selection of software is selected at the user station as a function of the directory; and
  
  distributing to the user station over the communications network software indicated by the selection.
- View Dependent Claims (47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60)
- - 47. The method of claim 46, wherein the identification of software already installed on the user station is determined without requiring a user of the user station to identify the software.
  - 48. The method of claim 46, wherein the directory is provided by the remote computer system.
  - 49. The method of claim 46, wherein the software indicated by the selection is received from the remote computer system only after a user of the user station confirms that the software should be received.
  - 50. The method of claim 46, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system.
  - 51. The method of claim 46, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule.
  - 52. The method of claim 46, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by a user of the user station.
  - 53. The method of claim 46, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by the remote computer system.
  - 54. The method of claim 46, wherein, once the software is distributed to the user station, the software is automatically installed on the user station.
  - 55. The method of claim 46, wherein the directory describes updates to at least a portion of the software already installed on the user station.
  - 56. The method of claim 46, wherein the method is facilitated using an HTML viewer at the user station.
  - 57. The method of claim 46, wherein the communications network includes the Internet.
  - 58. The method of claim 46, wherein the user station comprises at least one of a computer, cable television controller, video game player, information kiosk, wired personal communicator, wireless personal communicator, personal information communicator, personal digital assistant, information appliance, and system controller.
  - 59. The method of claim 46, wherein the method is facilitated using a user interface provided at the user station by an entity associated with the software indicated by the directory.
  - 60. The method of claim 46, wherein:

61. A computer implemented method for distributing software from a remote computer system to a user station, the method comprising:
- presenting, at the user station, as a function of an identification of software already installed on the user station, a directory of software available for installation on the user station;
  
  sending to the remote computer system over a communications network a selection of software for distribution to the user station, wherein the selection of software is selected by a user at the user station as a function of the directory; and
  
  receiving from the remote computer system over the communications network software indicated by the selection.
- View Dependent Claims (62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75)
- - 62. The method of claim 61, wherein the identification of software already installed on the user station is determined without requiring the user to identify the software.
  - 63. The method of claim 61, wherein the directory is provided by the remote computer system.
  - 64. The method of claim 61, wherein the software indicated by the selection is received from the remote computer system only after the user confirms that the software should be received.
  - 65. The method of claim 61, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system.
  - 66. The method of claim 61, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule.
  - 67. The method of claim 61, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by the user.
  - 68. The method of claim 61, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by the remote computer system.
  - 69. The method of claim 61, wherein, once the software indicated by the selection is received from the remote computer system, the software is automatically installed on the user station.
  - 70. The method of claim 61, wherein the directory describes updates to at least a portion of the software already installed on the user station.
  - 71. The method of claim 61, wherein the method is facilitated using an HTML viewer at the user station.
  - 72. The method of claim 61, wherein the communications network includes the Internet.
  - 73. The method of claim 61, wherein the user station comprises at least one of a computer, cable television controller, video game player, information kiosk, wired personal communicator, wireless personal communicator, personal information communicator, personal digital assistant, information appliance, and system controller.
  - 74. The method of claim 61, wherein the method is facilitated using a user interface provided at the user station by an entity associated with the software indicated by the directory.
  - 75. The method of claim 61, wherein:

76. A computer implemented method for distributing software from a remote computer system to a user station, the method comprising:
- providing information enabling the user station to present a directory of software available for installation on the user station based on the information and an identification of software installed on the user station;
  
  receiving at the remote computer system over a communications network a selection of software for distribution to the user station, wherein the selection of software is selected by a user at the user station as a function of the directory; and
  
  distributing to the user station over the communications network software indicated by the selection.
- View Dependent Claims (77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90)
- - 77. The method of claim 76, wherein the identification of software already installed on the user station is determined without requiring the user to identify the software.
  - 78. The method of claim 76, wherein the directory is provided by the remote computer system.
  - 79. The method of claim 76, wherein the software indicated by the selection is received from the remote computer system only after the user confirms that the software should be received.
  - 80. The method of claim 76, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system.
  - 81. The method of claim 76, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule.
  - 82. The method of claim 76, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by the user.
  - 83. The method of claim 76, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by the remote computer system.
  - 84. The method of claim 76, wherein, once the software is distributed to the user station, the software is automatically installed on the user station.
  - 85. The method of claim 76, wherein the directory describes updates to at least a portion of the software already installed on the user station.
  - 86. The method of claim 76, wherein the method is facilitated using an HTML viewer at the user station.
  - 87. The method of claim 76, wherein the communications network includes the Internet.
  - 88. The method of claim 76, wherein the user station comprises at least one of a computer, cable television controller, video game player, information kiosk, wired personal communicator, wireless personal communicator, personal information communicator, personal digital assistant, information appliance, and system controller.
  - 89. The method of claim 76, wherein the method is facilitated using a user interface provided at the user station by an entity associated with the software indicated by the directory.
  - 90. The method of claim 76, wherein:

91. A computer implemented method for distributing software from a remote computer system to a user station, the method comprising:
- responsive to an identification of software already installed on the user station, presenting, at the user station, a directory of software available for installation but not installed on the user station;
  
  sending to the remote computer system over a communications network a selection of software for distribution to the user station, wherein the selection of software is selected by a user at the user station responsive to the directory; and
  
  receiving from the remote computer system over the communications network software indicated by the selection.
- View Dependent Claims (92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105)
- - 92. The method of claim 91, wherein the identification of software already installed on the user station is determined without requiring the user to identify the software.
  - 93. The method of claim 91, wherein the directory is provided by the remote computer system.
  - 94. The method of claim 91, wherein the software indicated by the selection is received from the remote computer system only after the user confirms that the software should be received.
  - 95. The method of claim 91, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system.
  - 96. The method of claim 91, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule.
  - 97. The method of claim 91, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by the user.
  - 98. The method of claim 91, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by the remote computer system.
  - 99. The method of claim 91, wherein, once the software is distributed to the user station, the software is automatically installed on the user station.
  - 100. The method of claim 91, wherein the directory describes updates to at least a portion of the software already installed on the user station.
  - 101. The method of claim 91, wherein the method is facilitated using an HTML viewer at the user station.
  - 102. The method of claim 91, wherein the communications network includes the Internet.
  - 103. The method of claim 91, wherein the user station comprises at least one of a computer, cable television controller, video game player, information kiosk, wired personal communicator, wireless personal communicator, personal information communicator, personal digital assistant, information appliance, and system controller.
  - 104. The method of claim 91, wherein the method is facilitated using a user interface provided at the user station by an entity associated with the software indicated by the directory.
  - 105. The method of claim 91, wherein:

106. A computer implemented method for distributing software from a remote computer system to a user station, the method comprising:
- providing information enabling the user station to present a directory of software available for installation but not installed on the user station based on the information and an identification of software installed on the user station;
  
  receiving at the remote computer system over a communications network a selection of software for distribution to the user station, wherein the selection of software is selected by a user at the user station responsive to the directory; and
  
  distributing to the user station over the communications network software indicated by the selection.
- View Dependent Claims (107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120)
- - 107. The method of claim 106, wherein the identification of software already installed on the user station is determined without requiring the user to identify the software.
  - 108. The method of claim 106, wherein the directory is provided by the remote computer system.
  - 109. The method of claim 106, wherein the software indicated by the selection is received from the remote computer system only after the user confirms that the software should be received.
  - 110. The method of claim 106, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system.
  - 111. The method of claim 106, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule.
  - 112. The method of claim 106, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by the user.
  - 113. The method of claim 106, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by the remote computer system.
  - 114. The method of claim 106, wherein, once the software is distributed to the user station, the software is automatically installed on the user station.
  - 115. The method of claim 106, wherein the directory describes updates to at least a portion of the software already installed on the user station.
  - 116. The method of claim 106, wherein the method is facilitated using an HTML viewer at the user station.
  - 117. The method of claim 106, wherein the communications network includes the Internet.
  - 118. The method of claim 106, wherein the user station comprises at least one of a computer, cable television controller, video game player, information kiosk, wired personal communicator, wireless personal communicator, personal information communicator, personal digital assistant, information appliance, and system controller.
  - 119. The method of claim 106, wherein the method is facilitated using a user interface provided at the user station by an entity associated with the software indicated by the directory.
  - 120. The method of claim 106, wherein:

121. A computer implemented method for distributing software from a remote computer system to a user station, the method comprising:
- presenting, at the user station, as a function of an identification of software already installed on the user station, a directory of software available for installation on the user station and not already installed on the user station;
  
  sending to the remote computer system over a communications network a selection of software for distribution to the user station, wherein the selection of software is selected at the user station as a function of the directory; and
  
  receiving from the remote computer system over the communications network software indicated by the selection.
- View Dependent Claims (122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135)
- - 122. The method of claim 121, wherein the identification of software already installed on the user station is determined without requiring a user of the user station to identify the software.
  - 123. The method of claim 121, wherein the directory is provided by the remote computer system.
  - 124. The method of claim 121, wherein the software indicated by the selection is received from the remote computer system only after a user of the user station confirms that the software should be received.
  - 125. The method of claim 121, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system.
  - 126. The method of claim 121, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule.
  - 127. The method of claim 121, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by a user of the user station.
  - 128. The method of claim 121, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by the remote computer system.
  - 129. The method of claim 121, wherein, once the software indicated by the selection is received from the remote computer system, the software is automatically installed on the user station.
  - 130. The method of claim 121, wherein the directory describes updates to at least a portion of the software already installed on the user station.
  - 131. The method of claim 121, wherein the method is facilitated using an HTML viewer at the user station.
  - 132. The method of claim 121, wherein the communications network includes the Internet.
  - 133. The method of claim 121, wherein the user station comprises at least one of a computer, cable television controller, video game player, information kiosk, wired personal communicator, wireless personal communicator, personal information communicator, personal digital assistant, information appliance, and system controller.
  - 134. The method of claim 121, wherein the method is facilitated using a user interface provided at the user station by an entity associated with the software indicated by the directory.
  - 135. The method of claim 121, wherein:

136. A computer implemented method for distributing software from a remote computer system to a user station, the method comprising:
- providing information enabling the user station to present a directory of software available for installation on the user station and not already installed on the user station based on the information and an identification of software installed on the user station;
  
  receiving at the remote computer system over a communications network a selection of software for distribution to the user station, wherein the selection of software is selected at the user station as a function of the directory; and
  
  distributing to the user station over the communications network software indicated by the selection.
- View Dependent Claims (137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150)
- - 137. The method of claim 136, wherein the identification of software already installed on the user station is determined without requiring a user of the user station to identify the software.
  - 138. The method of claim 136, wherein the directory is provided by the remote computer system.
  - 139. The method of claim 136, wherein the software indicated by the selection is received from the remote computer system only after a user of the user station confirms that the software should be received.
  - 140. The method of claim 136, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system.
  - 141. The method of claim 136, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule.
  - 142. The method of claim 136, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by a user of the user station.
  - 143. The method of claim 136, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by the remote computer system.
  - 144. The method of claim 136, wherein, once the software indicated by the selection is received from the remote computer system, the software is automatically installed on the user station.
  - 145. The method of claim 136, wherein the directory describes updates to at least a portion of the software already installed on the user station.
  - 146. The method of claim 136, wherein the method is facilitated using an HTML viewer at the user station.
  - 147. The method of claim 136, wherein the communications network includes the Internet.
  - 148. The method of claim 136, wherein the user station comprises at least one of a computer, cable television controller, video game player, information kiosk, wired personal communicator, wireless personal communicator, personal information communicator, personal digital assistant, information appliance, and system controller.
  - 149. The method of claim 136, wherein the method is facilitated using a user interface provided at the user station by an entity associated with the software indicated by the directory.
  - 150. The method of claim 136, wherein:

151. A computer implemented method for distributing software updates from a remote computer system to a user station, the method comprising:
- presenting, at the user station, as a function of an identification of software already installed on the user station, a directory of software updates available for installation on the user station;
  
  sending to the remote computer system over a communications network a selection of software updates for distribution to the user station, wherein the selection of software updates is selected at the user station as a function of the directory; and
  
  receiving from the remote computer system over the communications network software updates indicated by the selection.
- View Dependent Claims (152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165)
- - 152. The method of claim 151, wherein the identification of software already installed on the user station is determined without requiring a user of the user station to identify the software.
  - 153. The method of claim 151, wherein the directory is provided by the remote computer system.
  - 154. The method of claim 151, wherein the software updates indicated by the selection is received from the remote computer system only after a user of the user station confirms that the software updates should be received.
  - 155. The method of claim 151, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system.
  - 156. The method of claim 151, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule.
  - 157. The method of claim 151, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by a user of the user station.
  - 158. The method of claim 151, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by the remote computer system.
  - 159. The method of claim 151, wherein, once the software updates indicated by the selection are received from the remote computer system, the software updates are automatically installed on the user station.
  - 160. The method of claim 151, wherein the directory describes software updates to at least a portion of the software already installed on the user station.
  - 161. The method of claim 151, wherein the method is facilitated using an HTML viewer at the user station.
  - 162. The method of claim 151, wherein the communications network includes the Internet.
  - 163. The method of claim 151, wherein the user station comprises at least one of a computer, cable television controller, video game player, information kiosk, wired personal communicator, wireless personal communicator, personal information communicator, personal digital assistant, information appliance, and system controller.
  - 164. The method of claim 151, wherein the method is facilitated using a user interface provided at the user station by an entity associated with the software updates indicated by the directory.
  - 165. The method of claim 151, wherein:

166. A computer implemented method for distributing software updates from a remote computer system to a user station, the method comprising:
- providing information enabling the user station to present a directory of software updates available for installation on the user station based on the information and an identification of software installed on the user station;
  
  receiving at the remote computer system over a communications network a selection of software updates for distribution to the user station, wherein the selection of software updates is selected at the user station as a function of the directory; and
  
  distributing to the user station over the communications network software updates indicated by the selection.
- View Dependent Claims (167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180)
- - 167. The method of claim 166, wherein the identification of software already installed on the user station is determined without requiring a user of the user station to identify the software.
  - 168. The method of claim 166, wherein the directory is provided by the remote computer system.
  - 169. The method of claim 166, wherein the software updates indicated by the selection are received from the remote computer system only after a user of the user station confirms that the software updates should be received.
  - 170. The method of claim 166, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system.
  - 171. The method of claim 166, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule.
  - 172. The method of claim 166, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by a user of the user station.
  - 173. The method of claim 166, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by the remote computer system.
  - 174. The method of claim 166, wherein, once the software updates are distributed to the user station, the software updates are automatically installed on the user station.
  - 175. The method of claim 166, wherein the directory describes software updates to at least a portion of the software already installed on the user station.
  - 176. The method of claim 166, wherein the method is facilitated using an HTML viewer at the user station.
  - 177. The method of claim 166, wherein the communications network includes the Internet.
  - 178. The method of claim 166, wherein the user station comprises at least one of a computer, cable television controller, video game player, information kiosk, wired personal communicator, wireless personal communicator, personal information communicator, personal digital assistant, information appliance, and system controller.
  - 179. The method of claim 166, wherein the method is facilitated using a user interface provided at the user station by an entity associated with the software updates indicated by the directory.
  - 180. The method of claim 166, wherein:

181. A computer implemented method for distributing software updates from a remote computer system to a user station, the method comprising:
- presenting, at the user station, as a function of an identification of software already installed on the user station, a directory of software updates available for installation on the user station and not already installed on the user station;
  
  sending to the remote computer system over a communications network a selection of software updates for distribution to the user station, wherein the selection of software updates is selected at the user station as a function of the directory; and
  
  receiving from the remote computer system over the communications network software updates indicated by the selection.
- View Dependent Claims (182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195)
- - 182. The method of claim 181, wherein the identification of software already installed on the user station is determined without requiring a user of the user station to identify the software.
  - 183. The method of claim 181, wherein the directory is provided by the remote computer system.
  - 184. The method of claim 181, wherein the software updates indicated by the selection is received from the remote computer system only after a user of the user station confirms that the software updates should be received.
  - 185. The method of claim 181, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system.
  - 186. The method of claim 181, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule.
  - 187. The method of claim 181, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by a user of the user station.
  - 188. The method of claim 181, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by the remote computer system.
  - 189. The method of claim 181, wherein, once the software updates indicated by the selection are received from the remote computer system, the software updates are automatically installed on the user station.
  - 190. The method of claim 181, wherein the directory describes software updates to at least a portion of the software already installed on the user station.
  - 191. The method of claim 181, wherein the method is facilitated using an HTML viewer at the user station.
  - 192. The method of claim 181, wherein the communications network includes the Internet.
  - 193. The method of claim 181, wherein the user station comprises at least one of a computer, cable television controller, video game player, information kiosk, wired personal communicator, wireless personal communicator, personal information communicator, personal digital assistant, information appliance, and system controller.
  - 194. The method of claim 181, wherein the method is facilitated using a user interface provided at the user station by an entity associated with the software updates indicated by the directory.
  - 195. The method of claim 181, wherein:

196. A computer implemented method for distributing software updates from a remote computer system to a user station, the method comprising:
- providing information, as a function of an identification of software already installed on the user station, enabling the user station to present a directory of software updates available for installation but not installed on the user station;
  
  receiving at the remote computer system over a communications network a selection of software updates for distribution to the user station, wherein the selection of software updates is selected at the user station as a function of the directory; and
  
  distributing to the user station over the communications network software updates indicated by the selection.
- View Dependent Claims (197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210)
- - 197. The method of claim 196, wherein the identification of software already installed on the user station is determined without requiring a user of the user station to identify the software.
  - 198. The method of claim 196, wherein the directory is provided by the remote computer system.
  - 199. The method of claim 196, wherein the software updates indicated by the selection are received from the remote computer system only after a user of the user station confirms that the software updates should be received.
  - 200. The method of claim 196, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system.
  - 201. The method of claim 196, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule.
  - 202. The method of claim 196, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by a user of the user station.
  - 203. The method of claim 196, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by the remote computer system.
  - 204. The method of claim 196, wherein, once the software updates are distributed to the user station, the software updates are automatically installed on the user station.
  - 205. The method of claim 196, wherein the directory describes software updates to at least a portion of the software already installed on the user station.
  - 206. The method of claim 196, wherein the method is facilitated using an HTML viewer at the user station.
  - 207. The method of claim 196, wherein the communications network includes the Internet.
  - 208. The method of claim 196, wherein the user station comprises at least one of a computer, cable television controller, video game player, information kiosk, wired personal communicator, wireless personal communicator, personal information communicator, personal digital assistant, information appliance, and system controller.
  - 209. The method of claim 196, wherein the method is facilitated using a user interface provided at the user station by an entity associated with the software updates indicated by the directory.
  - 210. The method of claim 196, wherein:

211. A computer implemented method for distributing software updates from a remote computer system to a user station, the method comprising:
- presenting, at the user station, as a function of an identification of software already installed on the user station, a directory of software updates available for installation on the user station;
  
  sending to the remote computer system over a communications network a selection of software updates for distribution to the user station, wherein the selection of software updates is selected by a user at the user station as a function of the directory; and
  
  receiving from the remote computer system over the communications network software updates indicated by the selection.
- View Dependent Claims (212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225)
- - 212. The method of claim 211, wherein the identification of software already installed on the user station is determined without requiring the user to identify the software.
  - 213. The method of claim 211, wherein the directory is provided by the remote computer system.
  - 214. The method of claim 211, wherein the software updates indicated by the selection is received from the remote computer system only after the user confirms that the software updates should be received.
  - 215. The method of claim 211, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system.
  - 216. The method of claim 211, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule.
  - 217. The method of claim 211, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by the user.
  - 218. The method of claim 211, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by the remote computer system.
  - 219. The method of claim 211, wherein, once the software updates indicated by the selection are received from the remote computer system, the software updates are automatically installed on the user station.
  - 220. The method of claim 211, wherein the directory describes software updates to at least a portion of the software already installed on the user station.
  - 221. The method of claim 211, wherein the method is facilitated using an HTML viewer at the user station.
  - 222. The method of claim 211, wherein the communications network includes the Internet.
  - 223. The method of claim 211, wherein the user station comprises at least one of a computer, cable television controller, video game player, information kiosk, wired personal communicator, wireless personal communicator, personal information communicator, personal digital assistant, information appliance, and system controller.
  - 224. The method of claim 211, wherein the method is facilitated using a user interface provided at the user station by an entity associated with the software updates indicated by the directory.
  - 225. The method of claim 211, wherein:

226. A computer implemented method for distributing software updates from a remote computer system to a user station, the method comprising:
- providing information enabling the user station to present a directory of software updates available for installation on the user station based on the information and an identification of software installed on the user station;
  
  receiving at the remote computer system over a communications network a selection of software updates for distribution to the user station, wherein the selection of software updates is selected by a user at the user station as a function of the directory; and
  
  distributing to the user station over the communications network software updates indicated by the selection.
- View Dependent Claims (227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240)
- - 227. The method of claim 226, wherein the identification of software already installed on the user station is determined without requiring the user to identify the software.
  - 228. The method of claim 226, wherein the directory is provided by the remote computer system.
  - 229. The method of claim 226, wherein the software updates indicated by the selection are received from the remote computer system only after the user confirms that the software updates should be received.
  - 230. The method of claim 226, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system.
  - 231. The method of claim 226, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule.
  - 232. The method of claim 226, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by the user.
  - 233. The method of claim 226, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by the remote computer system.
  - 234. The method of claim 226, wherein, once the software updates are distributed to the user station, the software updates are automatically installed on the user station.
  - 235. The method of claim 226, wherein the directory describes software updates to at least a portion of the software already installed on the user station.
  - 236. The method of claim 226, wherein the method is facilitated using an HTML viewer at the user station.
  - 237. The method of claim 226, wherein the communications network includes the Internet.
  - 238. The method of claim 226, wherein the user station comprises at least one of a computer, cable television controller, video game player, information kiosk, wired personal communicator, wireless personal communicator, personal information communicator, personal digital assistant, information appliance, and system controller.
  - 239. The method of claim 226, wherein the method is facilitated using a user interface provided at the user station by an entity associated with the software updates indicated by the directory.
  - 240. The method of claim 226, wherein:

241. A computer implemented method for installing software on a user station, the method comprising:
- presenting, at the user station, as a function of an identification of software already installed on the user station, a directory of software available for installation on the user station; and
  
  installing a selection of software on the user station, wherein;
  
  the selection of software is selected at the user station as a function of the directory; and
  
  the selection of software is received from a remote computer system over a communications network.
- View Dependent Claims (242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255)
- - 242. The method of claim 241, wherein the identification of software already installed on the user station is determined without requiring a user of the user station to identify the software.
  - 243. The method of claim 241, wherein the directory is provided by the remote computer system.
  - 244. The method of claim 241, wherein the software indicated by the selection is received from the remote computer system only after the user confirms that the software should be received.
  - 245. The method of claim 241, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system.
  - 246. The method of claim 241, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule.
  - 247. The method of claim 241, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by a user of the user station.
  - 248. The method of claim 241, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by the remote computer system.
  - 249. The method of claim 241, wherein, once the software indicated by the selection is received from the remote computer system, the software is automatically installed on the user station.
  - 250. The method of claim 241, wherein the directory describes updates to at least a portion of the software already installed on the user station.
  - 251. The method of claim 241, wherein the method is facilitated using an HTML viewer at the user station.
  - 252. The method of claim 241, wherein the communications network includes the Internet.
  - 253. The method of claim 241, wherein the user station comprises at least one of a computer, cable television controller, video game player, information kiosk, wired personal communicator, wireless personal communicator, personal information communicator, personal digital assistant, information appliance, and system controller.
  - 254. The method of claim 241, wherein the method is facilitated using a user interface provided at the user station by an entity associated with the software indicated by the directory.
  - 255. The method of claim 241, wherein:

256. A computer implemented method for installing software on a user station, the method comprising:
- presenting, at the user station, as a function of an identification of software already installed on the user station, a directory of software available for installation but not installed on the user station; and
  
  installing a selection of software on the user station, wherein;
  
  the selection of software is selected at the user station as a function of the directory; and
  
  the selection of software is received from a remote computer system over a network.
- View Dependent Claims (257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270)
- - 257. The method of claim 256, wherein the identification of software already installed on the user station is determined without requiring a user of the user station to identify the software.
  - 258. The method of claim 256, wherein the directory is provided by the remote computer system.
  - 259. The method of claim 256, wherein the software indicated by the selection is received from the remote computer system only after the user confirms that the software should be received.
  - 260. The method of claim 256, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system.
  - 261. The method of claim 256, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule.
  - 262. The method of claim 256, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by a user of the user station.
  - 263. The method of claim 256, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by the remote computer system.
  - 264. The method of claim 256, wherein, once the software indicated by the selection is received from the remote computer system, the software is automatically installed on the user station.
  - 265. The method of claim 256, wherein the directory describes updates to at least a portion of the software already installed on the user station.
  - 266. The method of claim 256, wherein the method is facilitated using an HTML viewer at the user station.
  - 267. The method of claim 256, wherein the communications network includes the Internet.
  - 268. The method of claim 256, wherein the user station comprises at least one of a computer, cable television controller, video game player, information kiosk, wired personal communicator, wireless personal communicator, personal information communicator, personal digital assistant, information appliance, and system controller.
  - 269. The method of claim 256, wherein the method is facilitated using a user interface provided at the user station by an entity associated with the software indicated by the directory.
  - 270. The method of claim 256, wherein:

271. A computer implemented method for installing software on a user station, the method comprising:
- presenting, at the user station, as a function of an identification of software already installed on the user station, a directory of software available for installation on the user station and not already installed on the user station; and
  
  installing on the user station a selection of software, wherein the selection of software is selected by a user at the user station as a function of the directory and wherein the selection of software is received from a remote computer system over a network.
- View Dependent Claims (272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285)
- - 272. The method of claim 271, wherein the identification of software already installed on the user station is determined without requiring the user to identify the software.
  - 273. The method of claim 271, wherein the directory is provided by the remote computer system.
  - 274. The method of claim 271, wherein the software indicated by the selection is received from the remote computer system only after the user confirms that the software should be received.
  - 275. The method of claim 271, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system.
  - 276. The method of claim 271, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule.
  - 277. The method of claim 271, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by a user of the user station.
  - 278. The method of claim 271, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by the remote computer system.
  - 279. The method of claim 271, wherein, once the software indicated by the selection is received from the remote computer system, the software is automatically installed on the user station.
  - 280. The method of claim 271, wherein the directory describes updates to at least a portion of the software already installed on the user station.
  - 281. The method of claim 271, wherein the method is facilitated using an HTML viewer at the user station.
  - 282. The method of claim 271, wherein the communications network includes the Internet.
  - 283. The method of claim 271, wherein the user station comprises at least one of a computer, cable television controller, video game player, information kiosk, wired personal communicator, wireless personal communicator, personal information communicator, personal digital assistant, information appliance, and system controller.
  - 284. The method of claim 271, wherein the method is facilitated using a user interface provided at the user station by an entity associated with the software indicated by the directory.
  - 285. The method of claim 271, wherein:

286. A computer implemented method for distributing software from a remote computer system to a user station, the method comprising:
- responsive to an identification of software already installed on the user station, presenting, at the user station, a directory of software available for installation on the user station and not already installed on the user station;
  
  sending to the remote computer system over a communications network a selection of software for distribution to the user station, wherein the selection of software is selected responsive to the directory; and
  
  receiving from the remote computer system over the communications network software indicated by the selection.
- View Dependent Claims (287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297, 298, 299, 300)
- - 287. The method of claim 286, wherein the identification of software already installed on the user station is determined without requiring a user of the user station to identify the software.
  - 288. The method of claim 286, wherein the directory is provided by the remote computer system.
  - 289. The method of claim 286, wherein the software indicated by the selection is received from the remote computer system only after a user of the user station confirms that the software should be received.
  - 290. The method of claim 286, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system.
  - 291. The method of claim 286, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule.
  - 292. The method of claim 286, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by a user of the user station.
  - 293. The method of claim 286, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by the remote computer system.
  - 294. The method of claim 286, wherein, once the software indicated by the selection is received from the remote computer system, the software is automatically installed on the user station.
  - 295. The method of claim 286, wherein the directory describes updates to at least a portion of the software already installed on the user station.
  - 296. The method of claim 286, wherein the method is facilitated using an HTML viewer at the user station.
  - 297. The method of claim 286, wherein the communications network includes the Internet.
  - 298. The method of claim 286, wherein the user station comprises at least one of a computer, cable television controller, video game player, information kiosk, wired personal communicator, wireless personal communicator, personal information communicator, personal digital assistant, information appliance, and system controller.
  - 299. The method of claim 286, wherein the method is facilitated using a user interface provided at the user station by an entity associated with the software indicated by the directory.
  - 300. The method of claim 286, wherein:

301. A computer implemented method for distributing software from a remote computer system to a user station, the method comprising:
- providing information enabling the user station to present a directory of software available for installation on the user station and not already installed on the user station based on the information and an identification of software installed on the user station;
  
  receiving at the remote computer system over a communications network a selection of software for distribution to the user station, wherein the selection of software is selected responsive to the directory; and
  
  distributing to the user station over the communications network software indicated by the selection.
- View Dependent Claims (302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315)
- - 302. The method of claim 301, wherein the identification of software already installed on the user station is determined without requiring a user of the user station to identify the software.
  - 303. The method of claim 301, wherein the directory is provided by the remote computer system.
  - 304. The method of claim 301, wherein the software indicated by the selection is received from the remote computer system only after a user of the user station confirms that the software should be received.
  - 305. The method of claim 301, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system.
  - 306. The method of claim 301, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule.
  - 307. The method of claim 301, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by a user of the user station.
  - 308. The method of claim 301, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by the remote computer system.
  - 309. The method of claim 301, wherein, once the software is distributed to the user station, the software is automatically installed on the user station.
  - 310. The method of claim 301, wherein the directory describes updates to at least a portion of the software already installed on the user station.
  - 311. The method of claim 301, wherein the method is facilitated using an HTML viewer at the user station.
  - 312. The method of claim 301, wherein the communications network includes the Internet.
  - 313. The method of claim 301, wherein the user station comprises at least one of a computer, cable television controller, video game player, information kiosk, wired personal communicator, wireless personal communicator, personal information communicator, personal digital assistant, information appliance, and system controller.
  - 314. The method of claim 301, wherein the method is facilitated using a user interface provided at the user station by an entity associated with the software indicated by the directory.
  - 315. The method of claim 301, wherein:

316. A computer implemented method for distributing software from a remote computer system to a user station, the method comprising:
- sending to the remote computer system over a communications network a selection of software for distribution to the user station, wherein the selection of software is selected at the user station from a directory of software available for installation on the user station and not already installed on the user station; and
  
  receiving from the remote computer system over the communications network software indicated by the selection.
- View Dependent Claims (317, 318, 319, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330)
- - 317. The method of claim 316, wherein the identification of software already installed on the user station is determined without requiring a user of the user station to identify the software.
  - 318. The method of claim 316, wherein the directory is provided by the remote computer system.
  - 319. The method of claim 316, wherein the software indicated by the selection is received from the remote computer system only after a user of the user station confirms that the software should be received.
  - 320. The method of claim 316, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system.
  - 321. The method of claim 316, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule.
  - 322. The method of claim 316, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by a user of the user station.
  - 323. The method of claim 316, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by the remote computer system.
  - 324. The method of claim 316, wherein, once the software indicated by the selection is received from the remote computer system, the software is automatically installed on the user station.
  - 325. The method of claim 316, wherein the directory describes updates to at least a portion of the software already installed on the user station.
  - 326. The method of claim 316, wherein the method is facilitated using an HTML viewer at the user station.
  - 327. The method of claim 316, wherein the communications network includes the Internet.
  - 328. The method of claim 316, wherein the user station comprises at least one of a computer, cable television controller, video game player, information kiosk, wired personal communicator, wireless personal communicator, personal information communicator, personal digital assistant, information appliance, and system controller.
  - 329. The method of claim 316, wherein the method is facilitated using a user interface provided at the user station by an entity associated with the software indicated by the directory.
  - 330. The method of claim 316, wherein:

331. A computer implemented method for distributing software from a remote computer system to a user station, the method comprising:
- receiving at the remote computer system over a communications network a selection of software for distribution to the user station, wherein the selection of software is selected at the user station from a directory of software available for installation on the user station and not already installed on the user station; and
  
  distributing to the user station over the communications network software indicated by the selection.
- View Dependent Claims (332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, 341, 342, 343, 344, 345)
- - 332. The method of claim 331, wherein the identification of software already installed on the user station is determined without requiring a user of the user station to identify the software.
  - 333. The method of claim 331, wherein the directory is provided by the remote computer system.
  - 334. The method of claim 331, wherein the software indicated by the selection is received from the remote computer system only after a user of the user station confirms that the software should be received.
  - 335. The method of claim 331, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system.
  - 336. The method of claim 331, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule.
  - 337. The method of claim 331, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by a user of the user station.
  - 338. The method of claim 331, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by the remote computer system.
  - 339. The method of claim 331, wherein, once the software is distributed to the user station, the software is automatically installed on the user station.
  - 340. The method of claim 331, wherein the directory describes updates to at least a portion of the software already installed on the user station.
  - 341. The method of claim 331, wherein the method is facilitated using an HTML viewer at the user station.
  - 342. The method of claim 331, wherein the communications network includes the Internet.
  - 343. The method of claim 331, wherein the user station comprises at least one of a computer, cable television controller, video game player, information kiosk, wired personal communicator, wireless personal communicator, personal information communicator, personal digital assistant, information appliance, and system controller.
  - 344. The method of claim 331, wherein the method is facilitated using a user interface provided at the user station by an entity associated with the software indicated by the directory.
  - 345. The method of claim 331, wherein:

346. A computer implemented method for distributing software from a remote computer system to a user station, the method comprising:
- providing information, responsive to an identification of software already installed on the user station, enabling the user station to present a directory of software available for installation on the user station and not already installed on the user station;
  
  receiving, at the remote computer system over a communications network, a selection of software for distribution to the user station, wherein the selection of software is selected by a user at the user station responsive to the directory; and
  
  distributing to the user station over the communications network software indicated by the selection.
- View Dependent Claims (347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359, 360, 361)
- - 347. The method of claim 346, wherein the identification of software already installed on the user station is determined without requiring the user to identify the software.
  - 348. The method of claim 346, wherein the directory is provided by the remote computer system.
  - 349. The method of claim 346, wherein the software indicated by the selection is received from the remote computer system only after the user confirms that the software should be received.
  - 350. The method of claim 346, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system.
  - 351. The method of claim 346, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule.
  - 352. The method of claim 346, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by the user.
  - 353. The method of claim 346, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and the remote computer system, and wherein the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by the remote computer system.
  - 354. The method of claim 346, wherein, once the software is distributed to the user station, the software is automatically installed on the user station.
  - 355. The method of claim 346, wherein the directory describes updates to at least a portion of the software already installed on the user station.
  - 356. The method of claim 346, wherein the method is facilitated using an HTML viewer at the user station.
  - 357. The method of claim 346, wherein the communications network includes the Internet.
  - 358. The method of claim 346, wherein the user station comprises at least one of a computer, cable television controller, video game player, information kiosk, wired personal communicator, wireless personal communicator, personal information communicator, personal digital assistant, information appliance, and system controller.
  - 359. The method of claim 346, wherein the method is facilitated using a user interface provided at the user station by an entity associated with the software indicated by the directory.
  - 360. The method of claim 346, wherein:
361. The method of claim 346, wherein the directory is prepared at the user station responsive to the identification of software already installed on the user station.

362. A computer implemented method for installing a software update on a user station, the method comprising:
- presenting, at the user station, as a function of an identification of software already installed on the user station, a directory of software updates available for installation but not included in the software already installed on the user station; and
  
  installing a selected software update on the user station, wherein;
  
  the selected software update is selected by a user operating the user station as a function of the directory; and
  
  the selected software update is received over a network.
- View Dependent Claims (363, 364, 365, 366, 367, 368, 369, 370, 371, 372, 373, 374, 375, 376)
- - 363. The method of claim 362, wherein the identification of software already installed on the user station is determined without requiring the user to identify the software to a remote computer system.
  - 364. The method of claim 362, wherein information for generating the directory is provided by a remote computer system.
  - 365. The method of claim 362, wherein the selected software update is received from a remote computer system only after the user confirms that the software update should be received.
  - 366. The method of claim 362, wherein the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and a remote computer system.
  - 367. The method of claim 362, wherein:
368. The method of claim 362, wherein:
- the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and a remote computer system; and
  
  the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by a user of the user station.
369. The method of claim 362, wherein:
- the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and a remote computer system; and
  
  the communication occurs according to a schedule determined by the remote computer system.
370. The method of claim 362, wherein, once the selected software update is received from a remote computer system, the software update is automatically installed on the user station.
371. The method of claim 362, wherein the directory further provides identification of software available for installation but not installed on the user station.
372. The method of claim 362, wherein the method is facilitated using an HTML viewer at the user station.
373. The method of claim 362, wherein the communications network includes the Internet.
374. The method of claim 362, wherein the user station comprises at least one of a computer, cable television controller, video game player, information kiosk, wired personal communicator, wireless personal communicator, personal information communicator, personal digital assistant, information appliance, and system controller.
375. The method of claim 362, wherein the method is facilitated using a user interface provided at the user station by an entity associated with the software indicated by the directory.
376. The method of claim 362, wherein:
- the method is initiated in response to a communication between the user station and a remote computer system; and
  
  the communication is initiated by a user action.

Specification

Resources

Litigation Campaign Assessment

Litigation Data

Current Assignee
TMI Solutions LLC (Strategic Intellectual Solutions, LLC)
Original Assignee
Richard R. Reisman
Inventors
Reisman, Richard R.
Primary Examiner(s)
Gaffin, Jeffrey
Assistant Examiner(s)
PEYTON, TAMMARA R

Application Number

US09/556,061
Publication Number

US 20020069282A1
Time in Patent Office

1,104 Days
Field of Search

705/26, 705/31, 705/6, 709/206, 709/215, 709/219, 709/221, 709/229, 710/4, 710/16, 710/19, 710/33, 713/1, 713/2, 713/100
US Class Current

710/33
CPC Class Codes

G06F 8/65   Updates security arrangemen...

G06Q 10/025   Coordination of plural rese...

G06Q 10/067   Enterprise or organisation ...

G06Q 20/20   Point-of-sale [POS] network...

G06Q 20/382   insuring higher security of...

G06Q 30/0601   Electronic shopping [e-shop...

G06Q 30/0609   Buyer or seller confidence ...

G06Q 30/0623   Item investigation

G06Q 30/0635   Processing of requisition o...

G06Q 30/0641   Shopping interfaces

G06Q 40/04   Trading; Exchange, e.g. sto...

G06Q 40/12   Accounting

G06Q 40/123   Tax preparation or submission

G11C 8/18   Address timing or clocking ...

H04L 67/00   Network arrangements or pro...

H04L 69/329   in the application layer [O...

H04L 9/40   Network security protocols

Y10S 707/99931   Database or file accessing

Y10S 707/99944   Object-oriented database st...

Y10S 707/99945   Object-oriented database st...

Method and system for distributing updates by presenting directory of software available for user installation that is not already installed on user station

First Claim

8 Assignments

Litigations

1 Petition

Reexaminations

Accused Products

Abstract

528 Citations

376 Claims

Specification

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Others

Method and system for distributing updates by presenting directory of software available for user installation that is not already installed on user station

First Claim

8 Assignments

Subscription Required

Subscription Required

Litigations

1 Petition

Subscription Required

Reexaminations

Accused Products

Subscription Required

Abstract

528 Citations

376 Claims

Specification

Subscription Required

Use Cases

Quick Links

Others