Patent ID: 6948169
Filing Date: 2005-09-20
Classification: G06F,G06Q

Abstract:
1. A method of enabling a user to complete installation of selected software programs on a computer system, having a system ID, via the Internet, the method comprising: installing, during manufacture, at least one pre-purchased software item; providing the computer system to the user; the user initially booting the system; in response to the booting, displaying on a display of the computer system a plurality of icons, one of the icons being a web-based install (WBI) icon for connecting the computer system to an Internet boot facility; the user selecting the WBI causing the computer system to be connected to the Internet boot facility, the system ID being automatically provided to the Internet boot facility; using the system ID to access a corresponding file displayed on a web page and including a list of the pre-purchased software items, the web page including other software items not pre-purchased; responsive to the user selecting any of the software items, determining whether the user has pre-purchased the selected software item, and if pre-purchased, automatically downloading the selected software items; if the selected software item is not pre-purchased, prompting the user to enter payment information; determining whether the payment information is valid; and if valid, downloading and installing the not pre-purchased software item on the computer system.