In the consumer realm, I agree. They stand between the user and the content which is their end goal. Consumers want a webpage-like interface without having to learn a desktop metaphor.

So the alphabet is public domain. Is a language, or more topically appropriate, is specific technical terminology spelled out with those letters patentable? Like, could I patent the word Torx, or is there a need for something more akin to a trademark for specific (and innovative) ways of sending data over public domain protocols such as TCP/IP and UDP?

Not not not You know what I mean.

When in recent memory has ANY industry, to say nothing of any content industry, not taken an opportunity like this and not crapped all over it with advertisements and their partners' advertisements? These companies don't understand the concept of limited and non-intrusive ads.