Method and system for identifying and obtaining computer software from a remote computer

Abstract

Creators of computer software provide the most up-to-date versions of their computer software on an update service. A user who has purchased computer software calls the update service on a periodic basis. The update service automatically inventories the user computer to determine what computer software may be out-of-date, and/or need maintenance updates. If so desired by the user, the update service computer automatically downloads and installs computer software to the user computer. By making periodic calls to the update service, the user always has the most up-to-date computer software immediately available. The update service may also alert the user to new products (i.e. including new help files, etc.), and new and enhanced versions of existing products, which can be purchased electronically by a user from the update service.

I claim: 
     
         1 . In a system having a first computer in communication with a second remote computer, each computer having a central processing unit coupled to a memory and secondary storage for storing a plurality of software programs, the secondary storage for the remote second computer storing a plurality of available computer software, a method of identifying computer software stored on the first computer to the remote computer comprising the steps of:
 maintaining on the remote computer a database containing database entries listing the plurality of available computer software;   conducting an inventory on the first computer, without input from a user of the first computer, to identify computer software stored on the first computer;   comparing said inventory of computer software on the first computer with the database entries of available computer software on the remote computer; and   identifying computer software available on the remote computer and not on the first computer.