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 The update service automatically inventories the user computer to determine what computer software may be out-of-date, and / or need maintenance updates.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

FIELD OF INVENTION [0001] 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 relates to a remote system that inventories software installed on a computer, identifies additional software that may be appropriate for the computer (e.g. patches, fixes, new versions of existing software, new software, etc.), and makes the identified software available to that computer. BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0002] The continual and rapid development of computers, computer software and related technology has revealed many problems with the typical distribution channels for computer software. For example, computer software, the coded instructions that control a computer's operation, are constantly and incrementally being upgraded and improved. The computer hardware and operating system environment on which the computer so...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a system that allows users to access a remote update service to download and install new computer software. The system automatically inventories the user's computer software and compares it to information in a database to identify software that may be suitable for installation. The user can then decide to install the new software or not. The system also allows users to purchase the software electronically and have it installed on their computer automatically. The technical effects of this system include providing users with up-to-date software, reducing user-related installation problems, and improving the user experience.

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 uncommon that defects are detected and fixes created shortly after a software product is introduced to the public.

However, the software products that remain in the distribution chain contain the defect without the fix.

This situation is frustrating for users who subsequently purchase the software product that is already obsolete (i.e. because of the defects).

However, such systems also require a degree of user sophistication and technical expertise in the selection, downloading and installation of the new software.

Moreover, such systems do not provide a user that has already obtained a software product with a simple, automatic way of learning of or obtaining upgrades or fixes for that product.

The developers of the computer software save support, distribution, and advertising costs.

In addition, since the user is also alerted when new computer software, and / or new versions of existing computer software are available, the software developers may also save advertising costs.

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