Software distribution method and apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides for a method and apparatus for distributing digital information, such as software applications, to application users. By providing the digital information on unused memory space of a computer system, and providing a process for authorizing access to the information, the information can be efficiently and cost effectively transferred to users. Traditional inventory and distribution channel difficulties are avoided.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 .- 29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . A method of enabling fully functional use of a software application, the software application being resident on a computer system at the time of purchase of the computer system, the method comprising:
 initiating access to a third party authorization entity, the third party authorization entity being resident over a network remote from the computer system;   providing identifying information for the computer system to the third party authorization entity in the form of a query;   receiving a response to the query from the third party authorization entity, the response configured to enable fully functional use of the software application;   recording at least a portion of the response on the computer system, the recording enabling fully functional use of the software application;   accessing the software application subsequent to the recording, the accessing comprising verifying the at least a portion of the response that has been recorded on the computer system; and   enabling fully functional use of the software application in response to the verifying, the enabling occurring without requiring subsequent access to the third party authorization entity.   
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 30 , further comprising comparing the identifying information for the computer system with the at least a portion of the recorded response. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the comparing occurs automatically upon access of the software application. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 30 , further comprising providing account information associated with a user of the computer system; and
 receiving a periodic bill for continued fully functional use of the software application.   
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 33 , further comprising disabling the fully functional use of the software application for not receiving payment in response to the received periodic bill. 
     
     
         35 . A method of enabling fully functional use of a software application, the software application being resident on a computer system at the time of purchase of the computer system, the method comprising:
 receiving a request to initiate access of a third party authorization entity, the third party authorization entity being resident over a network remote from the computer system;   receiving identifying information for the computer system at the third party authorization entity in the form of a query;   transmitting a response to the query from the third party authorization entity, the transmission configured to enable fully functional use of the software application;   causing the recordation of at least a portion of the response on the computer system, the recordation enabling fully functional use of the software application;   wherein the causing of the recordation permits subsequent access to the software application via a verification procedure that verifies the recorded at least a portion of the response, the subsequent access occurring without requiring subsequent access to the third party authorization entity.   
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 35 , further comprising causing a disabling of the software application subsequent to transmitting the response to the query. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the disabling is resultant from a lack of payment for continued fully functional use of the software application. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 35 , further comprising comparing the received query with a listing of those computing systems that are authorized to access the software application. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 35 , further comprising recording the software application on the computer system prior to purchase of the computer system. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the recording of the software application on the computer system occurs prior to transfer of the computer system to a reseller. 
     
     
         41 . A computer system that is configured to enable fully functional use of a software application resident on the computer system, the computer system comprising:
 a processing apparatus coupled to a memory apparatus, the memory apparatus comprising a plurality of computer-executable instructions, the plurality of computer-executable instructions, which when executed by the processing apparatus, is configured to:   initiate access to a third party authorization entity, the third party authorization entity being resident over a network remote from the computer system;   provide identifying information for the computer system to the third party authorization entity in the form of a query;   receive a response to the query from the third party authorization entity, the response configured to enable fully functional use of the software application;   record at least a portion of the response on the computer system, the recordation enabling fully functional use of the software application;   access the software application subsequent to the recordation, the access comprising a verification of the at least a portion of the response that has been recorded on the computer system; and   enable fully functional use of the software application in response to the verification, the enablement occurring without requiring subsequent access to the third party authorization entity.   
     
     
         42 . The computer system of  claim 41 , wherein the software application comprises one or more of a word processing application and a spreadsheet application. 
     
     
         43 . The computer system of  claim 42 , wherein the software application resident on the computer system is recorded prior to a purchase by an entity. 
     
     
         44 . The computer system of  claim 43 , wherein the entity comprises an end consumer of the computer system. 
     
     
         45 . The computer system of  claim 43 , wherein the entity comprises a reseller of the computer system. 
     
     
         46 . The computer system of  claim 43 , wherein the software application is recorded as part of a manufacturing process for the computer system. 
     
     
         47 . The computer system of  claim 41 , wherein the verification of the at least a portion of the response further comprises a comparison of the identifying information for the computer system with the at least a portion of the recorded response. 
     
     
         48 . The computer system of  claim 47 , wherein the comparison occurs automatically upon access of the software application. 
     
     
         49 . The computer system of  claim 48 , wherein the plurality of computer-executable instructions, which when executed by the processing apparatus, is further configured to:
 provide account information associated with a user of the computer system to the third party authorization entity on a periodic basis;   wherein provision of the account information on the periodic basis enables access to the fully functional use of the software application; and   when the provision of the account information does not occur on the periodic basis, disable the fully functional use of the software application.