A method of downloading a file from a Internet server to an Internet client,
preferably
without action by the Internet client. The method begins by associating the file
into a set of components at the server. A profile of the file is then generated.
This profile includes identifying information for the file as well as for each
component thereof. Such information preferably includes an identifier, a size value,
and a code uniquely identifying the component. The file is transferred by initiating
a download sequence by which each component is transferred, one-by-one, from the
server to the client using an Internet protocol. When the download sequence is
complete, the individual components are reassembled into the file using the profile
without action by the Internet client. If the transmission is interrupted for any
reason, the download sequence is restarted with the component affected by the interruption.
This avoids the need to retransfer the entire file.