Online personal library

• US 8,739,301 B1
• Filed: 01/10/2012
• Issued: 05/27/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 01/07/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Web 2.0 Technologies LLC
• Original Assignee: Pennar Software Corporation
• Inventors: Chaganti, Naren, Chaganti, Damayanti, Chaganti, Sitapati Rao
• Primary Examiner(s): LANIER, BENJAMIN E
• Application Number:
  US13/347,516
• Time in Patent Office: 868 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 726/27
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/31 User authentication
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/62 Protecting access to data via a platform, e.g. using keys or access control rules
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/6245 Protecting personal data, e.g. for financial or medical purposes
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/6272 by registering files or documents with a third party
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0613 Third-party assisted
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/14 Travel agencies
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 10/60 for patient-specific data, e.g. for electronic patient records
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0428 wherein the data content is protected, e.g. by encrypting or encapsulating the payload
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/06 for supporting key management in a packet data network cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for key management H04L9/08
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/08 for authentication of entities cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication H04L9/32
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/101 Access control lists [ACL]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/105 Multiple levels of security
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/306 User profiles
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/329 in the application layer [OSI layer 7]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/40 Network security protocols

Abstract

The disclosure is directed toward a secure method and system for creating a library on a server computer, and releasing such information to authorized requesters. Several types of information are stored for release to different entities with appropriate authorization. Any modifications or updates are automatically notified to any authorized requesters. The requester optionally provides information about to whom and where to notify changes or updates. Sending a message to an electronic mail box may accomplish such change or update notification. A frequent unauthorized requester of information is tagged as “junk” requester, to whom no further information will be released. Items that are restricted as to their use can be shared by users via a license-pooling method disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method of establishing an online library of digital items on a server computer system S which is connected to the Internet, the method comprising the following steps executed by the server computer system S:

establishing an account for a first user with the server computer system S;

allocating storage space to store one or more digital items in the first user'"'"'s account;

receiving in one or more packets from a server computer W a digital item D for storage in the first user'"'"'s account, identifying information for the first user'"'"'s account, and authorization to store the digital item D in the first user'"'"'s account; and

storing the digital item D in the first user'"'"'s account,

wherein the server computer W having received a request from a client computer C to send one or more selected digital items to the server computer system S, the request accompanying the first user'"'"'s identification information and authorization to store the digital item in the first user'"'"'s account; and

wherein the server computer system S and the client computer C are on different networks, the server computer system S having been configured to store for each of a plurality of users a plurality of digital items in storage spaces allocated in association with the respective users'"'"' accounts, the server computer system S having been further configured to permit access to digital items stored in each of said user accounts with authorized parties.

2. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to check for viruses in the digital item D.

3. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to check for viruses in the digital item D; and

to discard the digital item D if the digital item D is detected as having a virus.

4. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to check for viruses in the digital item D; and

to remove a virus from the digital item D if the digital item D is detected as having a virus.

5. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable increased storage space in the first user'"'"'s account if storage space in the first user'"'"'s account is insufficient to store the digital item D.

6. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable storing the digital item in a directory.

7. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable one or more directories containing digital items, where at least one of the one or more directories is invisible to unauthorized users.

8. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable one or more directories containing digital items, where at least one of the one or more directories is identified with a label or icon.

9. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable search for a particular digital item from among the one or more digital items stored in the first user'"'"'s account.

10. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to store cataloguing information in association with the digital item D in the first user'"'"'s account, wherein the cataloguing information includes an identifier for the digital item and an author'"'"'s name.

11. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to store cataloguing information in association with the digital item D in the first user'"'"'s account, wherein the cataloguing information includes an identifier for the digital item and an author'"'"'s name; and

to enable search for the digital item using stored cataloguing information for the digital item D.

12. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable access to the digital item D by no more than a pre-determined number of simultaneous users.

13. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable access to the digital item D by no more than a pre-determined number of simultaneous users, by establishing a counter that is decremented for each simultaneous user who accesses the digital item D.

14. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to permit access to the digital item D in accord with a license associated with the digital item D.

15. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to permit access to the digital item D in accord with a license associated with the digital item D, wherein no more than a number N (where N≧

1) of simultaneous users are permitted to access the digital item, the number N being determined from the license associated with the digital item D.

16. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to receive a request from a second user seeking access to the digital item D;

to determine if the second user is authorized to access the digital item D; and

if the second user is authorized, enabling the second user to access the digital item D.

17. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

if the digital item D is presently unavailable for access, to place information about a user seeking access to the digital item D in a waiting list.

18. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

if a digital item D becomes available for access, to notify a wait-listed user that the digital item D is available for access.

19. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to permit access to the digital item D only during a predetermined time period.

20. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to permit access to the digital item D for a pre-determined period of time; and

to disable access to the digital item D after the pre-determined period of time.

21. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to permit access to the digital item D for a pre-determined period of time; and

to disable access to the digital item D after the pre-determined period of time by locking the digital item D after the pre-determined period of time.

22. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to permit access to the digital item D for a pre-determined period of time; and

to disable access to the digital item D after the pre-determined period of time by deleting a file associated with the digital item D after the pre-determined period of time.

23. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

upon expiration of a pre-determined period of time after a user obtained access to the digital item D, to send a message to the user requesting relinquishment of the digital item D.

24. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to send a message to a user requesting relinquishment of the digital item D.

25. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable access to the digital item D upon receiving a request from a user who is authenticated by two authentication mechanisms.

26. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable access to the digital item D upon receiving a request from a user who is authenticated by a password that is configured to expire after a predetermined period of time.

27. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable access to the digital item D upon receiving a request from a user who is authenticated by a password that is valid for a pre-determined number of times.

28. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable access to the digital item D upon verifying a user via a third party authentication method.

29. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to format the digital item D to suit the requirements of a user'"'"'s device.

30. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to format the digital item D to suit a client device'"'"'s screen size.

31. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to deliver via streaming technique the digital item D to a client device.

32. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to record an audit trail of each and every access of the digital item D.

33. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to generate an alarm condition if an unauthorized access attempt is made for the digital item D.

34. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to associate with portions of the digital item D one or more of a plurality of security levels at various levels of granularity, the one or more of the plurality of security levels being configured to enable access of the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users.

35. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable modifying one or more portions of the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users.

36. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable modifying one or more portions of the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users; and

to store an indication of the identity of an authorized user who modified a portion of the digital item D.

37. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable modifying one or more portions of the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users; and

to enable notifying one or more users if a portion of the digital item D was modified.

38. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable entry of notes with respect to the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users.

39. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable entry of notes with respect to the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users; and

to enable storing an indication of an identity of an authorized user who entered notes with respect to the digital item D.

40. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable entry of notes with respect to the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users; and

to enable storing any notes made by an authorized user with respect to the digital item D.

41. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable entry of notes with respect to the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users; and

to enable notification to one or more users that notes were made with respect to the digital item D if notes were made with respect to the digital item D.

42. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable highlighting one or more portions of the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users.

43. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable highlighting one or more portions of the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users; and

to enable storing highlighting made by an authorized user to one or more portions of the digital item D.

44. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable highlighting one or more portions of the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users; and

to store an indication of the identity of an authorized user who highlighted a portion of the digital item D.

45. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to permit approval or disapproval of a change made to the digital item D by one or more authorized users.

46. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to receive a request from a second user seeking to modify the digital item D;

to determine if the second user is authorized to modify the digital item D; and

if the second user is authorized, enabling the second user to modify the digital item D.

47. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 1, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to permit authorized users to access a change made to a digital item by one or more authorized other users.

48. A server computer system S which is connected to the Internet, the server computer system S comprising:

one or more processors;

a memory; and

one or more non-transitory computer readable storage devices storing processor-executable instructions capable of being executed by the one or more processors, the instructions being configured;

to establish an account for a first user with the server computer system S;

to allocate storage space to store one or more digital items in the first user'"'"'s account;

to receive from a server computer W a digital item D for storage in the first user'"'"'s account, identifying information for the first user'"'"'s account, and authorization to store the digital item D in the first user'"'"'s account; and

to store the digital item D in the first user'"'"'s account,

wherein the server computer W having received a request from a client computer C to send one or more selected digital items to the server computer system S, the request accompanying the first user'"'"'s identification information and authorization to store the digital item in the first user'"'"'s account; and

wherein the server computer system S and the client computer C are on different networks, the server computer system S having been configured to store for each of a plurality of users a plurality of digital items in storage spaces allocated in association with the respective users'"'"' accounts, the server computer system S having been further configured to permit access to digital items stored in each of said user accounts with authorized parties.

49. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to check for viruses in the digital item D.

50. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to check for viruses in the digital item D; and

to discard the digital item D if the digital item D is detected as having a virus.

51. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to check for viruses in the digital item D; and

to remove a virus from the digital item D if the digital item D is detected as having a virus.

52. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to enable increased storage space in the first user'"'"'s account if storage space in the first user'"'"'s account is insufficient to store the digital item D.

53. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to enable storing the digital item in a directory.

54. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to enable one or more directories containing digital items, where at least one of the one or more directories is invisible to unauthorized users.

55. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to enable one or more directories containing digital items, where at least one of the one or more directories is identified with a label or icon.

56. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to enable search for a particular digital item from among the one or more digital items stored in the first user'"'"'s account.

57. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to store cataloguing information in association with the digital item D in the first user'"'"'s account, wherein the cataloguing information includes an identifier for the digital item and an author'"'"'s name.

58. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to store cataloguing information in association with the digital item D in the first user'"'"'s account, wherein the cataloguing information includes an identifier for the digital item and an author'"'"'s name; and

to enable search for the digital item using stored cataloguing information for the digital item D.

59. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to enable access to the digital item D by no more than a pre-determined number of simultaneous users.

60. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to enable access to the digital item D by no more than a pre-determined number of simultaneous users, by establishing a counter that is decremented for each simultaneous user who accesses the digital item D.

61. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to permit access to the digital item D in accord with a license associated with the digital item D.

62. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to permit access to the digital item D in accord with a license associated with the digital item D, wherein no more than a number N (where N≧

1) of simultaneous users are permitted to access the digital item, the number N being determined from the license associated with the digital item D.

63. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to receive a request from a second user seeking access to the digital item D;

to determine if the second user is authorized to access the digital item D; and

if the second user is authorized, enabling the second user to access the digital item D.

64. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

if the digital item D is presently unavailable for access, to place information about a user seeking access to the digital item D in a waiting list.

65. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

if a digital item D becomes available for access, to notify a wait-listed user that the digital item D is available for access.

66. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to permit access to the digital item D only during a predetermined time period.

67. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to permit access to the digital item D for a pre-determined period of time; and

to disable access to the digital item D after the pre-determined period of time.

68. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to permit access to the digital item D for a pre-determined period of time; and

to disable access to the digital item D after the pre-determined period of time by locking the digital item D after the pre-determined period of time.

69. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to permit access to the digital item D for a pre-determined period of time; and

to disable access to the digital item D after the pre-determined period of time by deleting a file associated with the digital item D after the pre-determined period of time.

70. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

upon expiration of a pre-determined period of time after a user obtained access to the digital item D, to send a message to the user requesting relinquishment of the digital item D.

71. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to send a message to a user requesting relinquishment of the digital item D.

72. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to enable access to the digital item D upon receiving a request from a user who is authenticated by two authentication mechanisms.

73. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to enable access to the digital item D upon receiving a request from a user who is authenticated by a password that is configured to expire after a predetermined period of time.

74. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to enable access to the digital item D upon receiving a request from a user who is authenticated by a password that is valid for a pre-determined number of times.

75. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to enable access to the digital item D upon verifying a user via a third party authentication method.

76. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to format the digital item D to suit the requirements of a user'"'"'s device.

77. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to format the digital item D to suit a client device'"'"'s screen size.

78. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to deliver via streaming technique the digital item D to a client device.

79. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to record an audit trail of each and every access of the digital item D.

80. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to generate an alarm condition if an unauthorized access attempt is made for the digital item D.

81. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to associate with portions of the digital item D one or more of a plurality of security levels at various levels of granularity, the one or more of the plurality of security levels being configured to enable access of the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users.

82. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to enable modifying one or more portions of the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users.

83. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to enable modifying one or more portions of the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users; and

to store an indication of the identity of an authorized user who modified a portion of the digital item D.

84. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to enable modifying one or more portions of the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users; and

to enable notifying one or more users if a portion of the digital item D was modified.

85. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to enable entry of notes with respect to the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users.

86. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to enable entry of notes with respect to the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users; and

to enable storing an indication of an identity of an authorized user who entered notes with respect to the digital item D.

87. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to enable entry of notes with respect to the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users; and

to enable storing any notes made by an authorized user with respect to the digital item D.

88. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to enable entry of notes with respect to the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users; and

to enable notification to one or more users that notes were made with respect to the digital item D if notes were made with respect to the digital item D.

89. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to enable highlighting one or more portions of the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users.

90. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to enable highlighting one or more portions of the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users; and

to enable storing highlighting made by an authorized user to one or more portions of the digital item D.

91. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to enable highlighting one or more portions of the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users; and

to store an indication of the identity of an authorized user who highlighted a portion of the digital item D.

92. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to permit approval or disapproval of a change made to the digital item D by one or more authorized users.

93. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to receive a request from a second user seeking to modify the digital item D;

to determine if the second user is authorized to modify the digital item D; and

if the second user is authorized, enabling the second user to modify the digital item D.

94. The server computer system S as in claim 48, further configured:

to permit authorized users to access a change made to a digital item by one or more authorized other users.

95. An article of manufacture comprising:

one or more non-transitory computer readable storage devices storing processor-executable instructions capable of being executed by one or more processors, the processor-executable instructions that, when executed by a server computer system S connected to the Internet, cause the server computer system S to perform a method of establishing an online library of digital items on the server computer system S, the method comprising the following steps executed by the server computer system S;

establishing an account for a first user with the server computer system S;

allocating storage space to store one or more digital items in the first user'"'"'s account;

receiving in one or more packets from a server computer W a digital item D for storage in the first user'"'"'s account, identifying information for the first user'"'"'s account, and authorization to store the digital item D in the first user'"'"'s account; and

storing the digital item D in the first user'"'"'s account,

wherein the server computer W having received a request from a client computer C to send one or more selected digital items to the server computer system S, the request accompanying the first user'"'"'s identification information and authorization to store the digital item in the first user'"'"'s account; and

wherein the server computer system S and the client computer C are on different networks, the server computer system S having been configured to store for each of a plurality of users a plurality of digital items in storage spaces allocated in association with the respective users'"'"' accounts, the server computer system S having been further configured to permit access to digital items stored in each of said user accounts with authorized parties.

96. The article of manufacture as in claim 95, wherein the one or more non-transitory computer readable storage devices storing processor-executable instructions further including instructions that cause the server computer S:

to check for viruses in the digital item D.

97. The article of manufacture as in claim 95, wherein the one or more non-transitory computer readable storage devices storing processor-executable instructions further including instructions that cause the server computer S:

to enable increased storage space in the first user'"'"'s account if storage space in the first user'"'"'s account is insufficient to store the digital item D.

98. The article of manufacture as in claim 95, wherein the one or more non-transitory computer readable storage devices storing processor-executable instructions further including instructions that cause the server computer S:

to receive a request from a second user seeking access to the digital item D;

to determine if the second user is authorized to access the digital item D; and

if the second user is authorized, enabling the second user to access the digital item D.

99. The article of manufacture as in claim 95, wherein the one or more non-transitory computer readable storage devices storing processor-executable instructions further including instructions that cause the server computer S:

to receive a request from a second user seeking to modify the digital item D;

to determine if the second user is authorized to modify the digital item D; and

if the second user is authorized, enabling the second user to modify the digital item D.

100. The article of manufacture as in claim 95, wherein the one or more non-transitory computer readable storage devices storing processor-executable instructions further including instructions that cause the server computer S:

to enable increasing storage space in the first user'"'"'s account.

101. A server computer system S which is connected to the Internet, the server computer system S comprising:

one or more processors;

a memory; and

means for receiving from a server computer W a digital item D for storage in a first user'"'"'s account established on the server computer system S in association with which account is allocated storage space to store one or more digital items, identifying information for the first user'"'"'s account, and authorization to store the digital item D in the first user'"'"'s account; and

one or more non-transitory computer readable storage devices storing processor-executable instructions that cause the server computer S to store the digital item D in the first user'"'"'s account,

wherein the server computer W having received a request from a client computer C to send one or more selected digital items to the server computer system S, the request accompanying the first user'"'"'s identification information and authorization to store the digital item in the first user'"'"'s account; and

wherein the server computer system S and the client computer C are on different networks, the server computer system S having been configured to store for each of a plurality of users a plurality of digital items in storage spaces allocated in association with the respective users'"'"' accounts, the server computer system S having been further configured to permit access to digital items stored in each of said user accounts with authorized parties.

102. A method of creating a library of digital items on a server computer system S, the method comprising the following steps executed by a server computer W:

receiving from a client computer C a request to send a digital item D for storage in a first user'"'"'s account established on the server computer system S, said request accompanying the first user'"'"'s identification information and information authorizing storage of the digital item D in the user'"'"'s account; and

sending to the server computer system S the digital item, the first user'"'"'s identification information and the information authorizing storage of the digital item D in the first user'"'"'s account;

wherein the server computer system S and the client computer C are on different networks, the server computer system S having been configured to store for each of a plurality of users a plurality of digital items in storage spaces allocated in association with the respective users'"'"' accounts, the server computer system S having been further configured to permit access to digital items stored in each of the user accounts with parties authorized by respective account-holding users.

103. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to check for viruses in the digital item D.

104. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to check for viruses in the digital item D; and

to discard the digital item D if the digital item D is detected as having a virus.

105. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to check for viruses in the digital item D; and

to remove a virus from the digital item D if the digital item D is detected as having a virus.

106. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable increasing storage space in the first user'"'"'s account if storage space in the first user'"'"'s account is insufficient to store the digital item D.

107. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable storing the digital item in a directory.

108. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable one or more directories containing digital items, where at least one of the one or more directories is invisible to unauthorized users.

109. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable one or more directories containing digital items, where at least one of the one or more directories is identified with a label or icon.

110. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable search for a particular digital item from among the one or more digital items stored in the first user'"'"'s account.

111. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to store cataloguing information in association with the digital item D in the first user'"'"'s account, wherein the cataloguing information includes an identifier for the digital item and an author'"'"'s name.

112. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to store cataloguing information in association with the digital item D in the first user'"'"'s account, wherein the cataloguing information includes an identifier for the digital item and an author'"'"'s name; and

to enable search for the digital item using stored cataloguing information for the digital item D.

113. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable access to the digital item D by no more than a pre-determined number of simultaneous users.

114. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to permit access to the digital item D in accord with a license associated with the digital item D.

115. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to permit access to the digital item D in accord with a license associated with the digital item D, wherein no more than a number N (where N≧

1) of simultaneous users are permitted to access the digital item, the number N being determined from the license associated with the digital item D.

116. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to receive a request from a second user seeking access to the digital item D;

to determine if the second user is authorized to access the digital item D; and

if the second user is authorized, enabling the second user to access the digital item D.

117. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

if the digital item D is presently unavailable for access, to place information about a user seeking access to the digital item D in a waiting list.

118. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

if a digital item D becomes available for access, to notify a wait-listed user that the digital item D is available for access.

119. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to permit access to the digital item D only during a predetermined time period.

120. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to permit access to the digital item D for a pre-determined period of time; and

to disable access to the digital item D after the pre-determined period of time.

121. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to permit access to the digital item D for a pre-determined period of time; and

to disable access to the digital item D after the pre-determined period of time by locking the digital item D after the pre-determined period of time.

122. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to permit access to the digital item D for a pre-determined period of time; and

to disable access to the digital item D after the pre-determined period of time by deleting a file associated with the digital item D after the pre-determined period of time.

123. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

upon expiration of a pre-determined period of time after a user obtained access to the digital item D, to send a message to the user requesting relinquishment of the digital item D.

124. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to send a message to a user requesting relinquishment of the digital item D.

125. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable access to the digital item D upon receiving a request from a user who is authenticated by two authentication mechanisms.

126. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable access to the digital item D upon receiving a request from a user who is authenticated by a password that is configured to expire after a predetermined period of time.

127. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable access to the digital item D upon receiving a request from a user who is authenticated by a password that is valid for a pre-determined number of times.

128. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable access to the digital item D upon verifying a user via a third party authentication method.

129. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to format the digital item D to suit the requirements of a user'"'"'s device.

130. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to format the digital item D to suit a client device'"'"'s screen size.

131. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to deliver via streaming technique the digital item D to a client device.

132. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to record an audit trail of each and every access of the digital item D.

133. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to generate an alarm condition if an unauthorized access attempt is made for the digital item D.

134. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to associate with portions of the digital item D one or more of a plurality of security levels at various levels of granularity, the one or more of the plurality of security levels being configured to enable access of the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users.

135. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable modifying one or more portions of the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users.

136. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable modifying one or more portions of the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users; and

to store an indication of the identity of an authorized user who modified a portion of the digital item D.

137. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable modifying one or more portions of the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users; and

to enable notifying one or more users if a portion of the digital item D was modified.

138. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable entry of notes with respect to the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users.

139. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable entry of notes with respect to the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users; and

to enable storing an indication of an identity of an authorized user who entered notes with respect to the digital item D.

140. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable entry of notes with respect to the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users; and

to enable storing any notes made by an authorized user with respect to the digital item D.

141. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable entry of notes with respect to the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users; and

to enable notification to one or more users that notes were made with respect to the digital item D if notes were made with respect to the digital item D.

142. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable highlighting one or more portions of the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users.

143. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable highlighting one or more portions of the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users; and

to enable storing highlighting made by an authorized user to one or more portions of the digital item D.

144. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable highlighting one or more portions of the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users; and

to store an indication of the identity of an authorized user who highlighted a portion of the digital item D.

145. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to permit approval or disapproval of a change made to the digital item D by one or more authorized users.

146. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to receive a request from a second user seeking to modify the digital item D;

to determine if the second user is authorized to modify the digital item D; and

if the second user is authorized, enabling the second user to modify the digital item D.

147. The method of creating a library of digital items as in claim 102, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to permit authorized users to access a change made to a digital item by one or more authorized other users.

148. An article of manufacture comprising:

one or more non-transitory computer readable storage devices storing processor-executable instructions capable of being executed by the one or more processors, the instructions being configured to cause a server computer W;

to receive from a client computer C a request to send a digital item D for storage in a first user'"'"'s account established on a server computer system S, said request accompanying the first user'"'"'s identification information and information authorizing storage of the digital item D in the user'"'"'s account; and

to send in one or more packets to the server computer system S, the digital item D, the first user'"'"'s identification information and the information authorizing storage of the digital item D in the first user'"'"'s account;

wherein the server computer system S and the client computer C are on different networks, the server computer system S having been configured to store for each of a plurality of users a plurality of digital items in storage spaces allocated in association with the respective users'"'"' accounts, the server computer system S having been further configured to permit access to digital items stored in each of the user accounts with parties authorized by respective account-holding users.

149. A server computer W configured to perform a method of creating a library of digital items on a server computer system S, the server computer W comprising:

one or more processors;

a memory; and

one or more non-transitory computer readable storage devices storing processor-executable instructions capable of being executed by the one or more processors, the instructions being configured;

to receive from a client computer C a request to send a digital item D for storage in a first user'"'"'s account established on the server computer system S, said request accompanying the first user'"'"'s identification information and information authorizing storage of the digital item D in the user'"'"'s account; and

to send in one or more packets to the server computer system S, the digital item D, the first user'"'"'s identification information and the information authorizing storage of the digital item D in the first user'"'"'s account;

wherein the server computer system S and the client computer C are on different networks, the server computer system S having been configured to store for each of a plurality of users a plurality of digital items in storage spaces allocated in association with the respective users'"'"' accounts, the server computer system S having been further configured to permit access to digital items stored in each of the user accounts with parties authorized by respective account-holding users.

150. The server computer W as in claim 149, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to check for viruses in the digital item D.

151. The server computer W as in claim 149, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to check for viruses in the digital item D; and

to discard the digital item D if the digital item D is detected as having a virus.

152. The server computer W as in claim 149, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to check for viruses in the digital item D; and

to remove a virus from the digital item D if the digital item D is detected as having a virus.

153. The server computer W as in claim 149, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable increased storage space in the first user'"'"'s account if storage space in the first user'"'"'s account is insufficient to store the digital item D.

154. The server computer W as in claim 149, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable search for a particular digital item from among the one or more digital items stored in the first user'"'"'s account.

155. The server computer W as in claim 149, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to store cataloguing information in association with the digital item D in the first user'"'"'s account, wherein the cataloguing information includes an identifier for the digital item and an author'"'"'s name.

156. The server computer W as in claim 149, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable access to the digital item D by no more than a pre-determined number of simultaneous users.

157. The server computer W as in claim 149, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to permit access to the digital item D in accord with a license associated with the digital item D.

158. The server computer W as in claim 149, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to permit access to the digital item D in accord with a license associated with the digital item D, wherein no more than a number N (where N≧

1) of simultaneous users are permitted to access the digital item, the number N being determined from the license associated with the digital item D.

159. The server computer W as in claim 149, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to receive a request from a second user seeking access to the digital item D;

to determine if the second user is authorized to access the digital item D; and

if the second user is authorized, enabling the second user to access the digital item D.

160. The server computer W as in claim 149, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

if the digital item D is presently unavailable for access, to place information about a user seeking access to the digital item D in a waiting list.

161. The server computer W as in claim 149, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

if a digital item D becomes available for access, to notify a wait-listed user that the digital item D is available for access.

162. The server computer W as in claim 149, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to permit access to the digital item D only during a predetermined time period.

163. The server computer W as in claim 149, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to permit access to the digital item D for a pre-determined period of time; and

to disable access to the digital item D after the pre-determined period of time.

164. The server computer W as in claim 149, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

upon expiration of a pre-determined period of time after a user obtained access to the digital item D, to send a message to the user requesting relinquishment of the digital item D.

165. The server computer W as in claim 149, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to send a message to a user requesting relinquishment of the digital item D.

166. The server computer W as in claim 149, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable access to the digital item D upon receiving a request from a user who is authenticated by two authentication mechanisms.

167. The server computer W as in claim 149, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable access to the digital item D upon receiving a request from a user who is authenticated by a password that is configured to expire after a predetermined period of time.

168. The server computer W as in claim 149, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable access to the digital item D upon receiving a request from a user who is authenticated by a password that is valid for a pre-determined number of times.

169. The server computer W as in claim 149, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable access to the digital item D upon verifying a user via a third party authentication method.

170. The server computer W as in claim 149, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to format the digital item D to suit the requirements of a user'"'"'s device.

171. The server computer W as in claim 149, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to format the digital item D to suit a client device'"'"'s screen size.

172. The server computer W as in claim 149, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to deliver via streaming technique the digital item D to a client device.

173. The server computer W as in claim 149, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to record an audit trail of each and every access of the digital item D.

174. The server computer W as in claim 149, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to generate an alarm condition if an unauthorized access attempt is made for the digital item D.

175. The server computer W as in claim 149, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to associate with portions of the digital item D one or more of a plurality of security levels at various levels of granularity, the one or more of the plurality of security levels being configured to enable access of the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users.

176. The server computer W as in claim 149, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable modifying one or more portions of the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users.

177. The server computer W as in claim 149, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable modifying one or more portions of the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users; and

to store an indication of the identity of an authorized user who modified a portion of the digital item D.

178. The server computer W as in claim 149, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable modifying one or more portions of the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users; and

to enable notifying one or more users if a portion of the digital item D was modified.

179. The server computer W as in claim 149, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable entry of notes with respect to the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users.

180. The server computer W as in claim 149, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable entry of notes with respect to the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users; and

to enable storing an indication of an identity of an authorized user who entered notes with respect to the digital item D.

181. The server computer W as in claim 149, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable entry of notes with respect to the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users; and

to enable storing any notes made by an authorized user with respect to the digital item D.

182. The server computer W as in claim 149, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable entry of notes with respect to the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users; and

to enable notification to one or more users that notes were made with respect to the digital item D if notes were made with respect to the digital item D.

183. The server computer W as in claim 149, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable highlighting one or more portions of the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users.

184. The server computer W as in claim 149, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable highlighting one or more portions of the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users; and

to enable storing highlighting made by an authorized user to one or more portions of the digital item D.

185. The server computer W as in claim 149, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to enable highlighting one or more portions of the digital item D by one or more of a group of authorized users; and

to store an indication of the identity of an authorized user who highlighted a portion of the digital item D.

186. The server computer W as in claim 149, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to permit approval or disapproval of a change made to the digital item D by one or more authorized users.

187. The server computer W as in claim 149, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to receive a request from a second user seeking to modify the digital item D;

to determine if the second user is authorized to modify the digital item D; and

if the second user is authorized, enabling the second user to modify the digital item D.

188. The server computer W as in claim 149, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to permit authorized users to access a change made to a digital item by one or more authorized other users.

189. A server computer W configured to perform a method of creating a library of digital items on a server computer system S, the server computer W comprising:

one or more processors;

a memory; and

means for receiving from a client computer C a request to send a digital item D for storage in a first user'"'"'s account established on the server computer system S, said request accompanying the first user'"'"'s identification information and information authorizing storage of the digital item D in the user'"'"'s account; and

means for sending in one or more packets to the server computer system S, the digital item D, the first user'"'"'s identification information and the information authorizing storage of the digital item D in the first user'"'"'s account;

wherein the server computer system S and the client computer C are on different networks, the server computer system S having been configured to store for each of a plurality of users a plurality of digital items in storage spaces allocated in association with the respective users'"'"' accounts, the server computer system S having been further configured to permit access to digital items stored in each of the user accounts with parties authorized by respective account-holding users.

190. The server computer W as in claim 189, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to permit authorized users to make a change to a digital item by one or more authorized other users.

191. The server computer W as in claim 189, wherein the server computer system S is further configured:

to permit authorized users to approve or disapprove a change to a digital item by one or more authorized other users.