A method and system for sponsored access to the internet by client machines

摘要

A computer program product and method of browsing the World Wide Web of the Internet, using a client machine (e.g. a personal computer) supporting a graphical user interface and an Internet browser. A conventional browser application comprises an HTML compliant document display window or the browsing window, and a document supporting substrate area. The substrate areas contain the menus, tools, controls and other accessories, which support the browsing functions. The present invention comprises of creating floating windows in the substrate areas for continuously displaying real time sponsor information or messages. Such sponsor messages include paid advertisements, which generate sufficient revenues for the Internet Service Providers (ISPs), to be able to provide their subscribers subsidized/free access to Internet. The preferred embodiment also enables the user to go to the sponsor web sites via the floating window URL link, by using keyboard, mouse-click combination. The floating window messages are stored in the non-volatile memory area of the client machine for offline display. These floating windows retain focus even if any other application is launched, and continue to display sponsor messages even if the user is using another application. The floating window module also provides by default links to certain value-added services.