A method and apparatus of encouraging distribution, registration, and
purchase of free copyable software and other digital information which is
accessed on a User's System via a Programmer's Program. Software tools
which can be incorporated into a Programmer's Program allow the User to
access Advanced Features of the Programmer's Program only in the presence
of a valid Password which is unique to a particular Target ID generated
on an ID-Target such as the User's System. Advanced features will thus
re-lock if the Password is copied to another ID-target. If a valid
Password is not present, the User is invited to obtain one, and provided
with the means of doing so, and of installing that Password in a place
accessible to the User's System on subsequent occasions. The present
invention also provides Programmers with means to invoke business
operations as well as computational operations with their programs, and
thus to automatically obtain payment from Users who elect to obtain
passwords.