A computer-aided telecommunication system and method which uses an Internet
web site and at least two computers to permit people located remotely from
one another, and who may be unskilled in computer operation, to conduct
real-time visual communication with other computer database subscribers,
and promptly transmit to them money, still and moving images, and notices
about sales, upcoming events, and employment opportunities at a cost that
is relatively low when compared to alternative forms of communication. The
simplest preferred embodiment of the system comprises two central
processing units; two monitors; four keyboards; two printers; two
printer/scanner/fax/copier combination devices; two video recorders; and
at least two privacy booths each having a display screen, a camera, audio
speakers, a microphone, an optional writing surface, and at least one
piece of furniture that can comfortably accommodate visual correspondents.
It is also contemplated for the system to comprise at least two control
stations, at least one privacy booth and at least one e-mail station in
the vicinity of each control station, as well as optional remote e-mail
stations each placed in monitored locations, such as hotels or restaurants
to deter theft and vandalism. Each subscriber is assigned a unique access
code and e-mail address. For e-mail communication, subscribers would not
have to know the recipient subscriber's e-mail address, only the name of
the intended recipient subscriber or identification of the group of
subscribers to which the e-mail communication is directed.