Patent ID: 7664679

Claim:
A method for distributing software programs comprising the steps of: transmitting a plurality of software programs from a networked server computer to at least one remote software dispensing device; storing said plurality of software programs on said software dispensing device; establishing a connection between the software dispensing device and a portable computer system of a user; identifying the portable computer system to the software dispensing device, such identification including transmitting an identification code to the software dispensing device from the portable computer system; in response to a request from the user, displaying a directory of said plurality of software programs on said software dispensing device; in response to software selection, said software dispensing device offering emulation to said user of said software program; in response to a software selection by the user, accepting payment from said user for a selected software program; and in response to said payment, communicating an instantiation of said selected software program from said software dispensing device to the portable computer system of said user.