An interactive wide area computer network system and method for accessing and transmitting data using a printed page optical code. The code includes a system configuration mode identifier which configures the system to perform specified functions and allow the user certain interactive options. Based on the configuration mode and the user's selected option, the system generates and executes the necessary queries, commands, and responses to be routed upon the network. In an embodiment, a two dimensional optical code ("2DOC" or "barcode") is printed on a magazine page advertisement containing information such as internet web addresses, product identity, advertisement identity, location, page number, magazine issue number, and geographic routing numbers. The system extracts this information using an optical code reader and combines it with user input parameters to generate network commands which access web pages, and/or transmit and receive relevant data via a user's computer connected to the internet and running an internet browser. The user may select an option wherein the system performs unique tasks depending on the advertisement.