Abstract: An arrangement is provided in which an authentication key with media content and storage capabilities is configured as a removable module that interoperates with a set top box (“STB”) to enable two-factor authentication to be implemented when authenticating a user to unblock media content recorded by a digital video recorder that is restricted using, for example, parental control or blocking features provided by the STB. The authentication key is also arranged with a memory to store recorded media content that is accessed from the STB which functions as an intermediary, or “proxy” device, to facilitate selecting, receiving, and recording media content from a distribution network. The authentication key is also configured with an onboard video processor that enables the authentication key to perform as a portable media player that can drive, in various illustrative examples, a built-in display device or external presentation devices such as television or monitor.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided in which an authentication key with media content and storage capabilities is configured as a removable module that interoperates with a set top box (“STB”) to enable two-factor authentication to be implemented when authenticating a user to unblock media content recorded by a digital video recorder that is restricted using, for example, parental control or blocking features provided by the STB. The authentication key is also arranged with a memory to store recorded media content that is accessed from the STB which functions as an intermediary, or “proxy” device, to facilitate selecting, receiving, and recording media content from a distribution network. The authentication key is also configured with an onboard video processor that enables the authentication key to perform as a portable media player that can drive, in various illustrative examples, a built-in display device or external presentation devices such as television or monitor.

Abstract: A portable computer and a method of securing the same. The portable computer comprises: (1) a main chassis containing (a) data processing and volatile storage circuitry of the portable computer, (b) a nonvolatile storage unit coupled to the data processing and volatile storage circuitry and (c) a source of electrical power and (2) a security module removably coupled to the main chassis and containing circuitry for (a) enabling decryption of encrypted data stored in the nonvolatile storage unit and (b) coupling the source of electrical power to the data processing and volatile storage circuitry only when the security module is coupled to the main chassis, the decryption disabled and the source of electrical power decoupled from the data processing and volatile storage circuitry when the security module is removed from the main chassis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a personal computer comprising a main chassis having an exterior wall forming, in part, an interior portion of the personal computer. The exterior wall has a data card slot formed therein and is configured to receive a data card therethrough. The interior portion contains data processing circuitry for processing data recorded on a data card. A data card reader is positioned within the interior portion and has a reading head positioned adjacent a first end of the data card reader for linearly reading the data when the data card is received through the slot. Further, the data card reader has a second end electrically connectable to the data processing circuitry for transmitting the data to the data processing circuitry when the data card is passed through the data card reader. The data card reader may be incorporated into a PCMCIA structure such as a PCMCIA card housing or guide/socket frame.