A method used for monitoring a remote machine by a local computer via a computer network. The remote machine is installed with web server programs and has parameter settings reconfigured by updating an Electronic Data Sheet. The method comprises initiating a browser at the local computer and establishing the computer network link to the remote machine via the computer network; downloading a JAVA applet from the remote machine to the local computer; and accessing an Electronic Data Sheet corresponding to the remote machine with the JAVA applet stored in the local computer and displaying the content of the Electronic Data Sheet at the local computer.