System and method of utilizing a MAC address based unlocking key

A system for selectively activating downloaded program content on an electronic device, comprising:

• a first computer within an electronic device which is configured for utilizing downloaded program content;
• a memory coupled to said computer, said memory configured for retaining downloaded program content for access by said computer;
• a network adapter coupled to said computer for communicating in a private network, the Internet, or a combination;
• a unique ID configured for being accessed by said first computer;
• programming executable on said first computer for activating a downloaded program in response to validating an activation key encrypted with said unique ID;
• a second computer configured for processing download requests received over a network;
• and
• programming executable on said second computer for,
• generating a download of program content for receipt over said network adapter,
• receiving a network address for said electronic device,
• encrypting said network address into an activation key,
• communicating said activation key for receipt within the electronic device or by a user of the electronic device for which the program content download is directed.

An apparatus for selectively activating downloaded program content, comprising:

• a computer within an electronic device configured for utilizing downloaded program content;
• memory coupled to said computer, said memory configured for retaining downloaded program content for access by said computer;
• a network adapter coupled to said computer, said network adapter configured with a network address;
• and
• programming executable on said computer for,
• establishing a network connection through which a download of program content can be received from a given network entity,
• downloading said program content over a network coupled to said network adapter,
• uploading of said network address to the given network entity,
• storing an encrypted activation key which has been received,
• activating said downloaded program content in response to a determination that the encrypted activation key corresponds to the network address of the network adapter.

A method of activating downloaded program content, comprising:

• (a) establishing a connection from an electronic device having a network adapter to a web site configured for downloading programming for said electronic device;
• (b) communicating a unique device identifier for said electronic device to said web site;
• (c) downloading program content from said web site to said electronic device;
• (d) generating a unique activation key within which is encrypted said unique device identifier;
• (e) communicating said activation key for said electronic device;
• and
• (f) activating said downloaded program content for execution within said electronic device in response to detecting a match between unique said activation key and said unique device identifier.