Importance

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Abstract

A method of gathering and transmitting information is provided. The method is performed in a client/server computer network including a user computer having a CPU and a storage device, which are adapted to implement a first client program capable of gathering usage information from the user's CPU and storage device and a second client program providing connectivity with the network. The network further includes a principal server site having a server program capable of writing transmittable files to the user computer. At least one third-party server site is included, and is capable of uploading transmittable files from the user computer. In the first step, the server program writes at least one transmittable file to the user computer. Next, the first client program gathers usage information from the user computer, and then writes the usage information to the at least one transmittable file. Next, the first client program addresses the at least one transmittable file to the third-party server, and the second client program transmits it to the third-party server. Also provided is an apparatus for gathering and transmitting information in a client/server computer network. [The apparatus includes a user computer including a first client program for gathering usage information from the user's CPU and storage device, for writing the usage information and address data to the at least one transmittable file, and a second client program for providing connectivity with the network. The apparatus also includes a principal server site including a server program for writing transmittable files to the user computer and for providing connectivity with the network. At least one third-party server site is also provided. The at least one third-party site includes a communication program for uploading transmittable files from the user computer and for providing connectivity with the network.]

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First Claim