METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR FILE SYNCHRONIZATION AND UPDATING USING A SIGNATURE LIST

A server computer generates an update file for transmission to a client computer that permits the client computer to generate a copy of a current version of a subscription file from a copy of an earlier version of the subscription file. For each segment of the current version of the subscription file, the server computer searches an earlier version of a signature list for an old segment signature which matches a new segment signature corresponding to the segment. When a match is detected, the server computer writes a command in the update file for the client computer to copy an old segment of the client computer's copy of the earlier version of the subscription file into the client computer's copy of the current version of the subscription file, where the old segment corresponds to the segment for which a match was detected. When no match is detected, the server computer writes a command into the update file for the client computer to insert a new segment of the current version of the subscription file into the client computer's copy of the current version of the subscription file, where the new segment of the current version of the subscription file is written into the update file. The new segment of the current version of the subscription file may be compressed, encrypted, or both, by the server computer. When the update file is completed, the server computer transmits the update file to the client computer as an executable attachment via electronic mail. The update file is only generated when the server computer determines the subscription file has changed. The server computer periodically monitors the subscription file to determine if it has been altered before generating an update file.