| 摘要 |
The present invention, generally speaking, allows for incremental distribution of a computer program through a two-way automated exchange of information between a user's machine and a server machine via a wide area computer network, e.g., the Internet. The user initially purchases the core program. The core program may be distributed electronically. The menu structure of the core program may include menu items relating to capabilities that are not part of the core program. When the user selects menu items not directly supported by the core program, a dialog is displayed asking the user whether the user wishes to download a program module corresponding to the selected menu item, either immediately or in the background at the next available opportunity. The program module may be distributed on either a "Buy/Try" or "Try/Buy" basis, Try/Buy being preferred such that the user is afforded an opportunity to use the new program feature for a period of time before committing to buy the additional program module. The menu structure of the program may also be dynamically updated to include menu items relating to capabilities developed after distribution of the core program. Program modules implementing these capabilities may be downloaded and purchased in the same manner.
|
