Multi-user management process enabling user privacy for use in a network entertainment center

摘要

A method and apparatus enables accessing of the Internet by multiple users of a common device. Each user's cached information is uploaded to a predetermined server as part of a log-off process. Each user's cached information is also downloaded from the predetermined server as part of a log-on process. A processor in the common device executes a multi-user management process manages the users' cached information. The multi-user management process stores the user's cached information in local memory upon downloading it from the predetermined server, thereby enabling a browser application to function as if customized by each user. The browser application retrieves the cached information stored in local memory and updates the cached information during its logon session with a particular user, thereby ensuring the cached information remains up to date.