Patent ID: 6671726
Filing Date: 2003-12-30
Classification: G06Q,H04L

Abstract:
A method of conveniently transferring e-mail communications data between a non-connected first computer system and a computer network, said method including the steps of:executing a program on said first computer system which places data to be transferred to the computer network onto a data storage medium in a form which can be used by a remote, special purpose kiosk, with said kiosk having means into which said data storage medium may be inserted and removed, said program execution taking place on the first computer while said first computer is not connected to said kiosk or to said computer network, with said data including said e-mail communications data and user account identity information; removing and physically moving the storage medium between the first computer system and the kiosk; inserting the storage medium into the kiosk; automatically reading, at the kiosk, the account information on the medium and transferring data to the computer network which is in response to the account information; automatically sending, to the computer network, said e-mail communications data stored on the medium; automatically receiving, from the computer network, e-mail communications data the user is authorized to receive, with said automatic steps of reading, sending and receiving occurring without requiring a manual entry of account information or e-mail data at said kiosk; storing at least a portion of said received e-mail communications data on said storage medium; indicating to the user that the exchange of e-mail communications data is finished, thereby informing the user that said data storage medium may be removed from the kiosk; removing the storage medium from the kiosk; moving the storage medium back to the first computer system; and inserting the storage medium into the first computer system and processing at least a portion of the received e-mail communications data stored on the medium.