A SYSTEM, METHOD AND ARTICLE OF MANUFACTURE FOR AN ELECTRONIC SOFTWARE DISTRIBUTION, POST-DOWNLOAD PAYMENT SCHEME WITH ENCRYPTION CAPABILITIES

摘要

A system, method, and article of manufacture are provided for carrying out an electronically software distribution transaction over a network. First, software is provided which is encrypted at least in part. Further, a plurality of decryption keys are provided which are capable of decrypting the encrypted software. Next, a user is allowed to select from the encrypted software after which such selected encrypted software is downloaded. The user then accepts payment from the user. Payment is accepted after both the selection and the downloading of the encrypted software. Thereafter, the decryption key is transferred to the user after the receipt of the payment.