Patent ID: 6427165
Filing Date: 2002-07-30
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A method for selectively obtaining information over a network with an information handling system coupled to the network, comprising:searching the network for the information based upon a predetermined criterion; locating the information on a node of the network where the information is stored; determining a parameter value of the node where the information is stored; and displaying the determined parameter value in conjunction with a link to the node whereby a determination may be made whether to obtain the information from the node based upon the determined parameter value, the determined parameter value being one of the group consisting of node availability, present load percentage of node capacity, a connection rate between the node and the information handling system, a time required to download the information stored on the node from the node to the information handling system, compatibility of a program executing on the information handling system and the information stored on the node, whether a required program for utilizing the information stored on the node is available on the information handling system, a date when the information stored on the node was last updated, and whether a fee is required to access information stored on the node.