Patent ID: 6654746
Filing Date: 2003-11-25
Classification: G06F,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for a server computer for providing a file update for a client file on a client computer, wherein the client file was copied from a server file in communication with the server computer, the method comprising the steps of:generating a server file digital signature indicative of the content of the server file; comparing the server file digital signature to client file information that comprises a client file digital signature indicative of the content of the client file, the client file information accessible to the server computer, to determine if the server file has changed since the client file was copied; if the server file has changed, identifying a variation in the content of the server file from the content of client file; if the server file has changed, creating a file update for the client file, wherein the file update comprises the variation of the content of the server file without including unchanged portions of the server file; and if the server file has changed, communicating the file update as an email attachment to an electronic mail box accessible by the client computer; wherein the steps of comparing, identifying, creating, and communicating are initiated and performed by The server computer without user intervention and without interaction with the client computer, and wherein the email attachment will cause the client file to be updated in response to the client computer accessing the electronic mail box and launching the email attachment.