Importance

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Abstract

A channel-based network for accessing the Internet including a system server, one or more Internet sites and one or more user terminals that are connected via the Internet. The system server stores a master channel table that includes a list of channel numbers, each channel number having an associated Internet address and an associated Internet site name. Each Internet site of the network is addressable by an associated Internet address stored in the master channel table. Each user terminal automatically (i.e., without user participation) downloads and stores a local copy of the master channel table. The channel numbers and associated Internet site names are read from the downloaded local copy of the channel table and displayed, for example, on a television in a menu-like manner. The user selects an Internet site name from the displayed menu, and enters the channel number associated with the selected Internet site name using an input device that is similar to a television remote control. The user terminal then accesses the selected Internet site by reading the Internet address associated with the entered channel number, and transmitting the Internet address onto the Internet.

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First Claim