As the Internet and World Wide Web continue to influence corporate and private activities, systems are needed that mimic human-to-human interface, to simplify the human-to-computer interface. Intelligent Agents are likely to play a significant role in the design of such interfaces, and this book explores how they could influence media-based systems. Throughout, the text maps out the considerable advances that have already been made, paving the way toward a future where computers will be truly described as an intelligent aid to our personal and business lives.