Abstract

An apparatus and method provides for the downloading and recording of data files over a data network such as the world wide web. A server connected to the world wide web includes a data base which includes a number of different data files such as music, video, and software that it wishes to sell to its customers. A web page is provided on the server for customers to access and view the products that are for sale. A system for billing the customers is also incorporated into the server such that when a system user logs in there is either a confirmation that the user has an account with the service provider or credit card information is provided in which charges may be made against. Through use of the web browser, the system user makes selections and begins the download of information into a memory in the user interface. Connected to the user interface is a recorder for recording the information upon a portable media such as an optical disk. Once the information is downloaded over the data network into the memory, the plugin in the web browser decompresses an unencrypts the file and begins the transfer process to the media recorder. Upon completion of the recording, (a) confirmation message is sent to the server (b) system user is billed for the download. After the billing process is complete, the plugin will delete the file from the computer memory and unlock the portable media so that the system user may play this information on another device.