Internet service controller with real time status display

摘要

A system and method is provided for retrieving information on a network and displaying the information on a personal computer or other visual display device. A proxy multiplexor opens connections with each of a plurality of service providers and exchanges authentication information such as a user ID and password with each of the service providers by retrieving and forwarding cookies containing the authentication information. Updated status data from the service providers is displayed within icons representing each of the service providers.