A personal computer system split into a local portion and a remote portion. In one embodiment the remote portion of the split personal computer system is located in a remote location and normally maintained by a network service provider and has personal computer application programs stored thereon that are controlled by the individuals local portion. The remote portion provides one or more personal computer application programs as a service that can be selected by the individual and stores the individuals data after running the personal computer application program selected by the individual. Both the selected program and the individuals data can be accessed upon providing a valid password by the individual. The remote portion has a controller that can collect fees for the application program services provided each individual.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 10/050,624, filed Jan. 16, 2002, now abandoned, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 09/443,125, filed Nov. 18, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,360,253; which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 09/014,859, filed Jan. 29, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,243,743. The entire content of U.S. Ser. Nos. 10/050,624, 09/443,125 and 09/014,859 is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
