Abstract:
A system is provided for retrieving secured electronic information stored in at least one storage device (44), where each storage device, such as a CD-ROM, is at least partially encrypted and is coupled to a user station. Each user station (40) is coupled to at least one storage device, such as a CD-ROM, having electronic database files stored therein. At least one of the database files stores numerous decryption keys, each key corresponding to decrypting a predetermined data portion of the secured electronic information. Further, a metering device is coupled to each user station. When the metering device is valid, each respective user station is able to retrieve decryption keys for use in decrypting the corresponding selected data portion. In addition, a server that is selectably connected to (36) each user station across a network controls whether the metering device is valid and operable so as to permit or deny the user station to retrieve the corresponding decryption keys.
Abstract:
A system is provided for retrieving a selected one of a plurality of encrypted software products stored in at least one storage device, such as a CD-ROM. Each software product is decryptable by a unique decryption key. The user can select a software product to decrypt upon receipt of the corresponding decryption key. A remote vender station, having a unique password, is selectively coupled to the end-user station. A remote server is connected to the vender station, via a network. The server receives a request for the decryption key corresponding to the transmitted selected software product and the end-user serial number. The server then generates and transmits the decryption key to the vender station based on the selected software product and the serial number. Thereafter, the vender station transmits the decryption key to the end-user.
Abstract:
A system is provided for retrieving secured electronic information stored in at least one storage device (44), where each storage device, such as a CD-ROM, is at least partially encrypted and is coupled to a user station. Each user station (40) has a processor responsive to a data file system and to a separate application program. The data file system includes at least one database file, each comprising data corresponding to a respective software product. The processor that is responsive to the application product receives the data from the database file that corresponds to a user selected software product, requests (36) a decryption key from a remote network server based at least on the user selected software product data from the database files, and processes the requested decryption key that is selectively received from the server for decrypting the selected software product from the storage device.