WO2001059553A1

WO2001059553A1 - Host preserving browser

Info

Publication number: WO2001059553A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/003938
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew D. Seidel; Michael B. Horowitz
Original assignee: Market Data Corporation
Priority date: 2000-02-08
Filing date: 2001-02-07
Publication date: 2001-08-16
Also published as: AU2001236729A1; WO2001059553A9

Abstract

In order to guarantee that a guest site (540) will not usurp the entire client display (500), a method and apparatus for preserving the host site interface (510) in the browser is provided. The host site interface (510) operates in an Internet browser program and comprises a host (510) and a guest portion (540) of a client display (500). The host portion (510) is maintained by the browser as long as the browser is in operation.

Description

HOST PRESERVING BROWSER

The present invention relates to a program that can be used by a user of a computer system to retrieve and view information from other computers. In one particular aspect, the invention relates to a program used in Internet applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The importance of e-commerce continues to increase at an extraordinary rate and more people than ever are using computers to perform tasks such as shopping, banking and other financial services and communications. The most common tool used for e-commerce is the Internet. A typical user accesses the Internet using a computer (e.g., a PC) that connects to the Internet through an Internet Service Provider ("ISP"). America Online and UUNet are commonly used ISPs.

Once connected, the user's computer can retrieve files of information, including text and graphics, from various systems that provide such services. The software running on the user's computer that accomplishes this function is known as a "browser." The browser can enable the user to visit various Internet "sites" to retrieve files used for purchasing products, enjoying various forms of entertainment or carrying out predefined tasks. These sites are maintained by "servers" that are connected to the Internet, also typically through ISPs.

On occasion, a first site (sometimes called a "host") that is being accessed by a user will facilitate the retrieval of information from a second site (called a "guest").

Using a technique known as "frames," the host can cause the display being shown to the user to be divided into portions, each of which is called a frame. The guest site would be displayed in one frame while at least one other frame would maintain some content from the host site. In this way the host site does not lose its connection with the user, and the user can continue to access other data from the host.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention features a method for operating an Internet browser program to display information to a user on a display, the method comprising the steps of: establishing a first portion of a display area associated with the display, the Internet browser permitting Internet content to be displayed in the first portion from a first Internet source, and prohibiting Internet content from being displayed in the first portion from at least a second Internet source other than the first Internet source; and establishing a second portion of the display area, the Internet browser permitting the display of Internet content in the second portion from Internet sources in addition to the first approved Internet source.

In preferred embodiments, the Internet browser prohibits the display of Internet content in the first portion from all Internet sources except the first Internet source. The Internet browser permits the display of Internet content in the second portion from all Internet sources.

The first portion may include a link to an Internet page associated with the first Internet source, and/or a logo associated with the first Internet source. The first and second Internet sources may be web sites.

The first Internet source may be associated with a first universal resource locator and the browser permits content to be displayed in the first portion only from the first universal resource locator. The first Internet source and the second Internet source are associated with different universal resource locators.

In a second aspect, the invention features a method for operating an Internet browser program to enable the display of information from an approved Internet source in such a manner that the information cannot be removed from a display area through instructions received from other Internet sources, the method comprising the steps of: defining a maximum display area M for the display of Internet content received from the approved Internet source, wherein M is defined by the coordinates {(X0, YO), (XI , Yl)} ; defining a maximum display area N for the display of Internet content from Internet sources other than the approved Internet source, wherein N is defined by the coordinates {(X0+ Δ,X), YO+ Δ₂Y), (X1+ Δ₃X, Y1+ Δ Y)}; displaying Internet content in area M from the approved Internet source; and displaying Internet content in area N from Internet sources other than the approved Internet source.

In preferred embodiments, the other Internet sources comprise all Internet sources except the approved Internet source. In one embodiment Δj is equal to Δ and Δ₃ is equal to Δ₄.

In another embodiment, Δi and Δ₃ are non-zero and Δ₂ and Δ₄ are equal to zero. Alternatively,

A\ and Δ₃ may be equal to zero and Δ₂ and Δ₄ are non-zero. Preferably, at least one of Δi, Δ₂, Δ₃

and Δ₄ are non-zero. Internet content may be displayed in area N from all Internet sources.

A link to an Internet page associated with the approved Internet source is displayed in that portion of area M that does not include any portion of area N. A logo associated with the approved Internet source is displayed in that portion of area M that does not include any portion of area N.

In another aspect, the invention features a method for operating an Internet browser program to display information to a user on a display, the method comprising the steps of: defining a maximum display area M for the display of Internet content received from at least one approved Internet source; and defining a maximum display area N for the display of Internet content received from Internet sources other than the approved Internet source; wherein display area N is shifted on the display with respect to display area M such that a portion of display area M is unavailable for the display of Internet content received from Internet sources other than the approved Internet source.

In yet another aspect, the invention features a method for operating an Internet browser program, comprising the steps of: establishing a fixed content portion of a display to provide fixed information to a user; and establishing a variable content portion of the display for displaying information retrieved by the browser from various Internet sites, wherein the fixed content portion is maintained by the browser and cannot be usurped by instructions received from the Internet sites.

In still another aspect, the invention features an article of manufacture comprising a computer readable medium having computer usable program code embodied therein, the computer usable program code containing executable instructions that, when executed, cause a computer to perform the steps of: establishing a first portion of a display area associated with a display, the computer permitting Internet content to be displayed in the first portion from a first Internet source, and prohibiting Internet content from being displayed in the first portion from at least a second Internet source other than the first Internet source; and establishing a second portion of the display area, the computer permitting the display of Internet content in the second portion from Internet sources in addition to the first approved Internet source.

In yet another aspect, the invention features an article of manufacture comprising a computer readable medium having computer usable program code embodied therein, the computer usable program code containing executable instructions that, when executed, cause a computer to perform the steps of: defining a maximum display area M for the display of Internet content received from an approved Internet source, wherein M is defined by the coordinates {(X0, YO), (XI, Yl)}; defining a maximum display area N for the display of Internet content from Internet sources other than the approved Internet source, wherein N is defined by the

coordinates {(X0+ ΔiX), YO+ Δ Y), (X1+ Δ₃X, Y1+ Δ₄Y)}: displaying Internet content in area M from the approved Internet source; and displaying Internet content in area N from Internet sources other than the approved Internet source.

In still a further aspect, the invention features an article of manufacture comprising a computer readable medium having computer usable program code embodied therein, the computer usable program code containing executable instructions that, when executed, cause a computer to perform the steps of: defining a maximum display area M for the display of Internet content received from at least one approved Internet source; and defining a maximum display area N for the display of Internet content received from Internet sources other than the approved Internet source; wherein display area N is shifted on the display with respect to display area M such that a portion of display area M is unavailable for the display of Internet content received from Internet sources other than the approved Internet source.

In yet another aspect, the invention features an article of manufacture comprising a computer readable medium having computer usable program code embodied therein, the computer usable program code containing executable instructions that, when executed, cause a computer to perform the steps of: establishing a fixed content portion of a display to provide fixed information to a user; and establishing a variable content portion of the display for displaying information retrieved by from various Internet sites; wherein information displayed in the fixed content portion cannot be usurped by instructions received from the Internet sites.

Thus, the preferred embodiments provide methods and apparatus for preserving a host site interface being displayed to a user through an Internet browser program. Maintaining the host application, such as a web site, in the user display is important to electronic commerce to prevent a guest application from usurping the entire user display. It is especially important in the frames environment, where it is common for a subsequent application (i.e., a guest application) to take over the entire display. In certain prior art systems, while a host web page is initially able to limit the amount of the user display occupied by a guest application through the use of frames, a guest application can take over the entire display through the use of simple programming tools such as JavaScript. For example, the following JavaScript code, when included in the guest application's HTML code, removes the frames set by the host site:

<!-- if (window != top) top.location.href = location.href;

</SCRIPT> Thus, preferred embodiments of the present invention prevent a guest application from taking over the entire display, as is discussed in more detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 is a flow chart illustrating an interface setup phase of the embodiment of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a distribution phase of the embodiment of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a flow chart illustrating an operational phase of the embodiment of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a chart depicting a client display during an operational phase of the embodiment of Fig. 1; and

Fig. 6 is a flow chart illustrating an alternative embodiment of an interface setup phase of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In one embodiment of the present invention, when a user accesses an Internet resource, the user can choose to use his or her native browser or a previously downloaded host preserving browser. The user may also access an Internet resource using a native browser and download the host preserving browser, which is contained within the Internet resource. The native browser and host preserving browser operate in a similar manner. The difference between the browsers is that, with a host preserving browser, host preserving information remains displayed on the browser interface during a browser session, regardless of the HTML codes of subsequent applications.

The host preserving information is contained in the embedded codes of the host preserving browser. These codes specify the selected host preserving information to be displayed, as well as the positioning of the selected host preserving information. Host preserving information may include a host bar, links, graphics and/or text. The host preserving browser then automatically displays the host preserving information according to the embedded codes during a browser session. Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to Fig. 1, there is illustrated a system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 shows Internet 100, client 110 (operated by a user) and server 120. Client 110 is typically a personal computer executing native browser software 105, such as Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer. Client 110 includes downloaded executable host preserving browser software 115. Ghent 110 also includes a modem (not shown) for communicating via Internet 100. Alternatively, client 110 may include a network interface card, frame relay card or other suitable communications interface.

Server 120 is typically a personal computer or server hardware executing server software 125, such as Apache or Netscape server software. Server 120 also runs web site specific programs (not shown) for operating respective web sites. Server 120 is operative to download, in response to a request, executable host preserving browser software 130 either separately or as part of an application. Server 120 also functions to accept messages from clients and return a response to the requesting client. In a modification, executable host preserving browser software 130 is not downloaded from server 120 via Internet 100 but is instead delivered via disk or telecommunications other than Internet 100 to client 110. Downloaded host preserving browser 115 is shown in client 110.

One interface setup process will now be described. Fig. 2 is a flow chart illustrating an interface setup process of the embodiment of Fig. 1. The interface setup phase may be performed by various entities, such as a manufacturer or vendor. In first step 200, the layout of the host preserving interface is prepared. Preparation involves selecting the information to be preserved and determining the display layout for the selected information. The selected . information is referred to as host preserving information and may include a host bar, links, graphics and/or text.

In step 210, a typical browser program is modified to include the host preserving information in a static (i.e., nonchangeable) area of the browser interface. Step 210 involves the modification of the embedded codes of the browser program to include the codes corresponding to the desired display layout of the host preserving information. Once modified, the browser program is referred to as a host preserving browser.

Finally, in step 220, executable host preserving browser software 130 containing the host preserving browser is created using standard computer programs designed to create executable files. Executable host preserving browser software 130 can then be distributed to client 110 using various methods, such as delivering via Internet 100, disk or telecommunications other than Internet 100.

One client setup process will now be described. Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a client setup phase of the embodiment of Fig. 1. In this client setup phase, executable host preserving browser software 130 is downloaded to client 110 from server 120 via Internet 100.

Once host preserving browser software 130 is downloaded into client 110, host preserving browser software 130 operates as host preserving browser 115. In step 300, client 110 invokes native browser 105 and requests via Internet 100 a web page containing information for downloading executable host preserving browser software 130 from server 120. In next step

310, server 120 returns via Internet 100 a web page incorporating a link to the network address of executable host preserving browser software 130 in its HTML, such as (assuming the URL of server 120 is 111.222.333.444):

<A HREF="httρ://l 11.222.333.444/HostPreservingBrowser.exe">Download Host Preserving Browser</A>

When native browser 105 attempts to render the page including the above-described link, native browser 105 automatically sends via Internet 100 an HTTP request to server 120 for executable host preserving browser software 130 at the specified HTTP address. Server software 125 receives this request, prepares an HTTP response including a copy of executable host preserving browser software 130, and sends the response to client 110 via Internet 100. Native browser 105 receives the copy of executable host preserving browser software 130, and automatically executes it locally to create host preserving browser software 115. In step 320, once host preserving browser 115 is installed on client 110, an icon corresponding to host preserving browser 115 appears on the desktop of client 110. A client user may then position the icon as he desires on the desktop interface. Alternatively, host preserving browser 115 may be placed on a list of applications or on a menu, which is accessible to a client user. A client user can then invoke host preserving browser 115 instead of native browser 105 for use during a browser session.

A client user then operates host preserving browser 115, as discussed below.

Fig. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the steps performed during an operational phase of the embodiment of Fig. 1. In step 400, a client user invokes previously installed host preserving browser 115 by selecting host preserving browser 115. Such selection is accomplished by typical methods for invoking computer applications, such as using a computer mouse to click on the host preserving browser icon, selecting host preserving browser 115 from a list of applications or pressing a pre-programmed shortcut key or function key associated with host preserving browser 115. Once the host preserving browser is invoked, host preserving browser 115 is used in a similar manner as native browser 105 as shown in step 410.

Fig. 5 is a chart depicting client display 500 as seen by a client user when host preserving browser 115 is invoked during an operational phase of the embodiment of Fig. 1. Client display 500 is divided into a host portion and a guest portion. Host preserving information 510 is displayed in the host portion of client display 500 according to the embedded codes of host preserving browser 115 and cannot be modified, removed or obliterated by a guest interface function, such as a web page call up or client display 500 refresh. Thus, only the host Internet resource can modify the guest portion. As shown in client display 500, host preserving information 510 may be made up of host logo 520 and host navigation bar 530. Host navigation bar 530 may include text, links to other websites, web pages or bookmarks.

The guest portion of client display 500, which is depicted as guest display 540, is used for displaying results of browser requests, such as web pages. Client display 500 also includes browser information, such as browser buttons 550 and URL location indicator 560, which displays the current URL location and accepts requests from a client user.

In one embodiment, the host preserving browser accomplishes the host preserving function by defining the available display space differently for guest applications. For example,

HTML (or frames) operates on a display coordinate model. The maximum physical space of pixels, M, may be defined by coordinates {(XO, YO), (XI, Yl)}: that is M={(XO, YO), (XI,

Yl)} . Suppose for example that the URL that launches the host preserving browser confines its display to the coordinates defined by M. In this case the logical display space, LI, is the same as the maximum physical display space M.

The host preserving browser then shifts all subsequent HTML displays, H, (except those from the launching host URL) to coordinates {(XO + ΔiX, Y0+Δ₂Y), (XI+Δ3X, Y1+Δ₄Y)}. The maximum logical display space, L2, now has boundaries defined as L2={(XO, YO), (XI+Δ₃X, YI+Δ₄Y)]. Since L2 may exceed the vertical and/or the horizontal boundaries of the physical space M, the portions of L2 that exceed the vertical and/or the horizontal boundaries of

M, (i.e., L2-M={((XO,YO), (XI+Δ3X, Yl+Δ4Y))-((XO, YO), (XI, Yl))}) are made viewable through panning and scrolling, which are features that are automatically invoked by a typical browser when the logical display, L, exceeds the boundaries of the maximum physical display, M.

The host preserving browser still has maximum display coordinates {(XO, YO), (XI, Yl)}. Now the region R= {(XO, YO), (XI+Δ3X, Yl + Δ₄Y)}-{(XO + ΔiX, YO + Δ₂Y),

(XI+Δ₃X, YI+Δ₄Y)} is immutable for any H, (including frames within an HTML instruction) other than those coming from the host Internet resource that originally launched the HPBM. The portion of H={(XO + Δ_XX, YO + Δ₂Y), (XI+Δ3X, Y1+Δ₄Y)} that is not displayed in M is accessed through panning and scrolling.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the host preserving interface is prepared by the interface setup process shown in Fig. 6. Step 600 is similar to step 200 in Fig. 2, in which the host preserving information of the host preserving interface is selected and its layout is determined. In next step 610, the codes corresponding to the desired display layout of the host preserving information are included in executable host preserving interface software, which is created using standard computer programs designed to create executable files. Also included in the executable host preserving interface software are the codes necessary for a downloaded host preserving interface to be used in combination with a native browser.

The executable host preserving interface software, which is used to obtain a host preserving interface, is then downloaded in a process identical to client setup process of Fig. 3 and its alternative embodiments. Once the host preserving interface is downloaded, the host preserving interface is invoked in the same manner as the invocation of host preserving browser 115 shown in step 400 of Fig. 4. The host preserving interface then works in combination with native browser 115 to display native browser 115 as client display 500 of Fig. 5.

The present invention is not limited to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described herein, which is intended only by way of example. Accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents which may be resorted to will fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for operating an Internet browser program to display information to a user on a display, said method comprising the steps of: establishing a first portion of a display area associated with said display, said Internet browser permitting Internet content to be displayed in said first portion from a first Internet source, and prohibiting Internet content from being displayed in said first portion from at least a second Internet source other than said first Internet source; and establishing a second portion of said display area, said Internet browser permitting the display of Internet content in said second portion from Internet sources in addition to said first approved Internet source.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said Internet browser prohibits the display of Internet content in said first portion from all Internet sources except said first Internet source.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein said Internet browser permits the display of Internet content in said second portion from all Internet sources.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein said first portion includes a link to an Internet page associated with said first Internet source.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein said first portion includes a logo associated with said first Internet source.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein said first and second Internet sources are web sites.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein said first Internet source is associated with a first universal resource locator and said browser permits content to be displayed in said first portion only from said first universal resource locator.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein said first Internet source and said second Internet source are associated with different universal resource locators.

9. A method for operating an Internet browser program to enable the display of information from an approved Internet source in such a manner that said information cannot be removed from a display area through instructions received from other Internet sources, said method comprising the steps of: defining a maximum display area M for the display of Internet content received from said approved Internet source, wherein M is defined by the coordinates {(XO, YO), (XI, Yl)}; defining a maximum display area N for the display of Internet content from Internet sources other than said approved Internet source, wherein N is defined by the coordinates {(X0+ ΔjX), YO+ Δ₂Y), (X1+ Δ₃X, Y1+ Δ₄Y)}; displaying Internet content in area M from said approved Internet source; and displaying Internet content in area N from Internet sources other than said approved Internet source.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein said other Internet sources comprise all Internet sources except said approved Internet source.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein

is equal to Δ₂ and Δ₃ is equal to Δ₄.

12. The method of claim 9 wherein Δ\ and Δ₃ are non-zero and Δ₂ and Δ₄ are equal to zero.

13. The method of claim 9 wherein A\ and Δ₃ are equal to zero and Δ₂ and Δ₄ are non-zero.

14. The method of claim 9 wherein at least one of Δ_1} Δ₂, Δ₃ and Δ₄ are non-zero.

15. The method of claim 9 wherein Internet content may be displayed in area N from all Internet sources.

16. The method of claim 9 wherein a link to an Internet page associated with said approved Internet source is displayed in that portion of area M that does not include any portion of area N.

17. The method of claim 9 wherein a logo associated with said approved Internet source is displayed in that portion of area M that does not include any portion of area N.

18. The method of claim 9 wherein said approved Internet source is a web site.

19. The method of claim 9 wherein said approved Internet source is associated with a first universal resource locator.

20. The method of claim 9 wherein said approved Internet source and said other Internet sources are each associated with a different universal resource locator.

21. A method for operating an Internet browser program to display information to a user on a display, said method comprising the steps of: defining a maximum display area M for the display of Internet content received from at least one approved Internet source; and defining a maximum display area N for the display of Internet content received from Internet sources other than said approved Internet source; wherein display area N is shifted on said display with respect to display area M such that a portion of display area M is unavailable for the display of Internet content received from Internet sources other than said approved Internet source.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein Internet content may be displayed in area N from all Internet sources.

23. The method of claim 21 wherein a link to an Internet page associated with said approved Internet source is displayed in that portion of area M that does not include any portion of area N.

24. The method of claim 21 wherein a logo associated with said approved Internet source is displayed in that portion of area M that does not include any portion of area N.

25. The method of claim 21 wherein said approved Internet source is a web site.

26. The method of claim 21 wherein said approved Internet source is associated with a first universal resource locator.

27. The method of claim 21 wherein said approved Internet source and said other Internet sources are each associated with a different universal resource locator.

28. A method for operating an Internet browser program, comprising: establishing a fixed content portion of a display to provide fixed information to a user; and establishing a variable content portion of said display for displaying information retrieved by said browser from various Internet sites; wherein said fixed content portion is maintained by said browser and cannot be usurped by instructions received from said Internet sites.

29. The method of claim 28 wherein said Internet browser prohibits the display of

Internet content in said fixed portion from all Internet sources except said first Internet source.

30. The method of claim 28 wherein said Internet browser permits the display of Internet content in said variable portion from all Internet sources.

31. The method of claim 28 wherein said fixed portion includes a link to an Internet page associated with said first Internet source.

32. The method of claim 28 wherein said fixed portion includes a logo associated with said first Internet source.

33. The method of claim 28 wherein said first and second Internet sources are web sites.

34. The method of claim 28 wherein said first Internet source is associated with a first universal resource locator and said browser permits content to be displayed in said fixed portion only from said first universal resource locator.

35. The method of claim 28 wherein said first Internet source and said second Internet source are associated with different universal resource locators.

36. An article of manufacture comprising a computer readable medium having computer usable program code embodied therein, said computer usable program code containing executable instructions that, when executed, cause a computer to perform the steps of: establishing a first portion of a display area associated with a display, said computer permitting Internet content to be displayed in said first portion from a first Internet source, and prohibiting Internet content from being displayed in said first portion from at least a second Internet source other than said first Internet source; and establishing a second portion of said display area, said computer permitting the display of

Internet content in said second portion from Internet sources in addition to said first approved Internet source.

37. The article of manufacture of claim 36 wherein the display of Internet content in said first portion is prohibited from all Internet sources except said first Internet source.

38. The article of manufacture of claim 36 wherein the display of Internet content in said second portion is permitted from all Internet sources.

39. The article of manufacture of claim 36 wherein said first portion includes a link to an Internet page associated with said first Internet source.

40. The article of manufacture of claim 36 wherein said first portion includes a logo associated with said first Internet source.

41. The article of manufacture of claim 36 wherein said first and second Internet sources are web sites.

42. The article of manufacture of claim 36 wherein said first Internet source is associated with a first universal resource locator and content is displayed in said first portion only from said first universal resource locator.

43. The article of manufacture of claim 36 wherein said first Internet source and said second Internet source are associated with different universal resource locators.

44. An article of manufacture comprising a computer readable medium having computer usable program code embodied therein, said computer usable program code containing executable instructions that, when executed, cause a computer to perform the steps of: defining a maximum display area M for the display of Internet content received from an approved Internet source, wherein M is defined by the coordinates {(XO, YO), (XI, Yl)}; defining a maximum display area N for the display of Internet content from Internet sources other than said approved Internet source, wherein N is defined by the coordinates {(X0+

Δ_X), YO+ Δ₂Y), (X1+ Δ₃X, Y1+ Δ₄Y)}; displaying Internet content in area M from said approved Internet source; and displaying Internet content in area N from Internet sources other than said approved

Internet source.

45. The article of manufacture of claim 44 wherein said other Internet sources comprise all Internet sources except said approved Internet source.

46. The article of manufacture of claim 44 wherein Δi is equal to Δ₂ and Δ₃ is equal to

Δ₄.

47. . The article of manufacture of claim 44 wherein and Δ₃ are non-zero and Δ₂ and

Δ₄ are equal to zero.

48. The article of manufacture of claim 44 wherein Δi and Δ are equal to zero and Δ₂

and Δ₄ are non-zero.

49. The article of manufacture of claim 44 wherein at least one of Δi, Δ₂, Δ₃ and Δ₄ are non-zero.

50. The article of manufacture of claim 44 wherein Internet content may be displayed in area N from all Internet sources.

51. The article of manufacture of claim 44 wherein a link to an Internet page associated with said approved Internet source is displayed in that portion of area M that does not include any portion of area N.

52. The article of manufacture of claim 44 wherein a logo associated with said approved Internet source is displayed in that portion of area M that does not include any portion of area N.

53. The article of manufacture of claim 44 wherein said approved Internet source is a web site.

54. The article of manufacture of claim 44 wherein said approved Internet source is associated with a first universal resource locator.

55. The article of manufacture of claim 44 wherein said approved Internet source and said other Internet sources are each associated with a different universal resource locator.

56. An article of manufacture comprising a computer readable medium having computer usable program code embodied therein, said computer usable program code containing executable instructions that, when executed, cause a computer to perform the steps of: defining a maximum display area M for the display of Internet content received from at least one approved Internet source; and defining a maximum display area N for the display of Internet content received from Internet sources other than said approved Internet source; wherein display area N is shifted on said display with respect to display area M such that a portion of display area M is unavailable for the display of Internet content received from Internet sources other than said approved Internet source.

57. An article of manufacture comprising a computer readable medium having computer usable program code embodied therein, said computer usable program code containing executable instructions that, when executed, cause a computer to perform the steps of: establishing a fixed content portion of a display to provide fixed information to a user; and establishing a variable content portion of said display for displaying information retrieved by from various Internet sites; wherein information displayed in said fixed content portion cannot be usurped by instructions received from said Internet sites.