Methods of providing computer systems with bundled access to restricted-access databases

Abstract

Methods for of providing computer systems bundled with access to restricted-access databases. In one embodiment, a method includes providing a computer system with an authorized access identifier that allows access to a restricted-access database via a computer communication network; and providing the computer system to a user. The user is not required to pay use fees, or seek out a suitable information supplier, thereby improving user satisfaction and productivity. In an alternate embodiment, a method includes providing an access software program for accessing the restricted-access database. In another embodiment, a method includes generating the restricted-access database. Alternately, the generating of the restricted-access database may include storing educational information on a storage device, or transmitting an approximately real-time audio-visual signal. In another embodiment, a method includes updating the restricted-access database. In yet another embodiment, a method includes receiving an access identifier signal via the communication network, and comparing the access identifier signal with the authorized access identifier. In another embodiment, a method includes receiving a selection signal from the user indicative of a desired information, and transmitting the desired information to the user. In a further embodiment, a method includes obtaining access rights to a restricted-access database from an educational information supplier; and providing a computer system with an access identifier that allows a user to access the restricted-access database via a communication network.

1 . A method of providing a computer user with access to a restricted-access database, comprising: 
 providing a computer system with an authorized access identifier that allows access to the restricted-access database via a communication network; and    providing the computer system to a user.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising providing an access software program for accessing the restricted-access database via the communication network.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising obtaining the restricted-access database from an educational information supplier.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising generating the restricted-access database.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein generating the restricted-access database comprises storing educational information on a storage device.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4  wherein generating the restricted-access database comprises transmitting an approximately real-time audio-visual signal.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising updating the restricted-access database.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising receiving an access identifier signal via the communication network, and comparing the access identifier signal with the authorized access identifier.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising receiving a selection signal from the user indicative of a desired information, and transmitting the desired information to the user.  
     
     
         10 . A method of providing access to educational data in a restricted-access educational information database, comprising: 
 providing a computer system with an authorized access identifier;    providing rights to access a restricted-access database of educational information accessible via a communication network using the authorized access identifier;    receiving an identifier input signal via the communication network;    comparing the identifier input signal with the authorized access identifier;    allowing access to the restricted-access educational information database when the identifier input signal matches the authorized access identifier;    receiving a selection signal indicating a desired educational data; and    transmitting the desired educational data via the communication network.    
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising providing an access software program for accessing the restricted-access educational information database via the communication network.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising obtaining the restricted-access educational information database from an educational information supplier.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising generating the restricted-access educational information database.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising updating the restricted-access educational information database.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the educational information in the restricted-access database is limited to information about the computer system.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the educational information in the restricted-access database is limited to information about a particular supplier's product.  
     
     
         17 . A method of providing a computer user with access to a restricted-access database, comprising: 
 obtaining access rights to the restricted-access database from an information supplier; and    providing the computer system with an access identifier that allows the user to access the restricted-access database via a communication network.    
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising informing the information supplier of the authorized access identifier.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising providing a consideration to the information supplier for the access rights.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising providing an access software program for accessing the restricted-access database.  
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising supplementing the restricted-access database.  
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21  wherein supplementing the restricted-access database comprises transmitting an approximately real-time audio-visual signal.