Abstract: Apparatus for connecting data processing equipment to a communications network includes hardware for a range of different communications standards. Also included is a coupler (preferably in the form of a cable) having a particular standard communications plug which contains an identifying code associated with that particular standard plug, which code is used to configure the apparatus to that particular standard. The apparatus contains a digital signal processor controlled by control code contained in a control store having associated therewith a standard identifier code. Control logic reads the standard identifier code associated with the control code and the standard identifying code in the coupler and enables the apparatus if the two match (or disables if they do not match).

Abstract: A keyboard/display apparatus enters tabular data in two different modes. For the entry of tabular data in a row by row mode, a tab key on the keyboard is depressed for causing tabbing to a next set tab on the same line. For the entry of tabular data in a column by column mode, a coded tab is keyed for causing left tabbing to a nearest set tab on a following line.

Abstract: Keyboard apparatus is described in which a keyboard having dead-keys to enable accented characters to be entered is claimed. A storage means, preferably of read only type, is divided into a number of sections; each section contains character codes representing accented or non-accented characters associated with that section. When a given dead key is activated, this addresses a section of the store associated with that dead-key to access the section containing the characters which are accented with the accents associated with that dead key. Activation of the next character key causes accessing of the code for an accented character within that section. Different accents for the same or other characters can be associated with different dead keys. Optionally the store can be arranged to store only validly-accented characters, thus avoiding the entry of invalidly-accented characters. Non-accented characters are normally accessed from a single section of the store.