Importance

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Abstract

A method and system for retrieving a selected type of information from a remote computer via a computer network using a disk token purchased from a vendor that is associated with a certain type of information and a certain number of pre-paid access units. The information is provided by a central computer that is connected with the user's computer via a computer network such as the Internet. To receive information of the type for which the user has pre-paid, the user loads the disk token into a disk drive of the user's computer. Under control of software stored on the disk token, the user's computer establishes a telephone connection with the central computer and transmits a serial number associated with the disk token. The central computer verifies the authenticity of the serial number and also verifies that an account associated with that disk token has a sufficient access unit balance to cover the cost of the information. If the disk token is authentic and the account has a sufficient balance, the central computer initiates a transfer to the user's computer of information of the type for which the user has pre-paid. Alternatively, if such information is not stored in the central computer or otherwise readily accessible to it, the central computer may determine where such information may be found, retrieve it, and forward it to the user's computer via the telephone connection. The central computer then debits the account balance associated with the disk token.

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First Claim