This invention provides a network access system that permits communication device users to access a network such as the Internet, a cable network, a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) network or a broadband network (which may include cable and DSL networks). A network access device receives commands from users and executes the commands such as send e-mail, search the network, log on to pages supported by other parties on the network, download information from the network, request information such as movies from the network, bidding in an auction, etc. A user profile saves preferences of a user for interacting with the network. The network access device may supply primitive commands for the user to use individually or to construct complex command macros so that by a single command, more complex functions may be performed using the network. By the above described techniques, users who do not have access to devices such as a personal computer may access the network and take advantage of the rich resources available through the network.