A distributed database management system provides a central database resident on a server that contains database objects. Objects to be replicated are gathered together into distribution packages called "slices", that are encrypted using a short-lived symmetric key and broken into a succession of short, numbered data packets before being transmitted to client devices. Data packets are captured by client devices and held in a staging area until all packets in the sequence are present and are then reassembled into the correct slice, which is then decrypted, or discarded when an error is detected in the data packet. The source version, reference count, and dependencies of the received object are verified before adding it to the database. The invention provides a reaper that periodically examines all objects in the database and, depending on the object types, examines various attributes and attribute values to decide if the object should be retained in the database. Periodic tasks are invoked on the server to cull uploaded objects from the database and to forward or dispose of them as appropriate which may result in new objects being added to the central database, existing objects being updated, or new or updated objects transmitted to client devices. Weighted preference objects are created based on direct and indirect preferences from which a list of preferred programs is generated and used to create a recording schedule which is a collection of recorded programs of most interest to the viewer. Client devices periodically connect to the server using a phone line and upload information of interest which is combined with information uploaded from other devices for statistical, operational, or viewing models.