Method and system for identifying and obtaining computer software from a remote computer

Abstract

Creators of computer software provide the most up-to-date versions of their computer software on an update service. A user who has purchased computer software calls the update service on a periodic basis. The update service automatically inventories the user computer to determine what computer software may be out-of-date, and/or need maintenance updates. If so desired by the user, the update service computer automatically downloads and installs computer software to the user computer. By making periodic calls to the update service, the user always has the most up-to-date computer software immediately available. The update service may also alert the user to new products (i.e. including new help files, etc.), and new and enhanced versions of existing products, which can be purchased electronically by a user from the update service.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001] This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 558,957, entitled "METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING AND OBTAINING COMPUTER SOFTWARE FROM A REMOTE COMPUTER," filed Apr. 25, 2000, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 149,993, entitled "METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING AND OBTAINING COMPUTER SOFTWARE FROM A REMOTE COMPUTER," filed Sep. 9, 1998, which has since issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,214 and is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08 / 562,929, entitled "METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING AND OBTAINING COMPUTER SOFTWARE FROM A REMOTE COMPUTER," filed Nov. 27, 1995, which has since issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,077 and is hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002] The present invention relates to a system for automatically identifying software that may be appropriate for installation on a computer and for making that software available to that computer. In particular the invention...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

0012] The update service has several advantages. A user is automatically provided with information about the available versions of computer software as a result of the inventory conducted by the update center computer. If the version of the computer software on the user computer has defects that are known and have been corrected, the user is alerted to this fact and is offered an up-to-date version of the computer software. The user is also alerted to the availability of new computer software, or enhanced versions of existing computer software, and can purchase them electronically. In either case, the most up-to-date versions of computer software are available for downloading to users.

0013] The available versions of the computer software can also be automatically installed on the user computer. Since it is no longer necessary for the user to install the computer software, the incidence of user related installation problems is greatly reduced. It is also not necessary for the user to obtain or save any storage media since the computer software is downloaded directly to the user computer. If the computer software installed on the user computer ever gets corrupted, the user can call t

Problems solved by technology

The continual and rapid development of computers, computer software and related technology has revealed many problems with the typical distribution channels for computer software.

Similarly, software products that work as intended on a particular computer with a particular configuration, may fail when installed on a different computer having a different configuration (e.g. different hardware, peripherals, operating systems, etc.).

However, it is often difficult for software developers to make upgrades and fixes available to users.

This difficulty not only deprives the user of access to the most reliable and up-to-date software products, it can result in lost sales to the software developer and can damage the goodwill and the development of a long term relationship with a customer by releasing a flawed or deficient software product.

However, given the rapid pace of software development, this manner of distribution is frequently insufficient.

For example, it is not uncom

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