Abstract: A computer including a microprocessor, a memory system, a bus system, and a single point indicator. The memory system includes an operating system stored therein. The bus system couples the memory system to the microprocessor. The single point indicator is coupled to the microprocessor and is capable of emitting a single point of light of substantially any wavelength in a visible spectrum. The computer also includes logic that determines a level of a selected operational parameter of the computer and logic that generates a corresponding wavelength of light emitted from the single point indicator. The corresponding wavelength of light corresponds to the level of the selected operational parameter. A method for indicating a level of a selected operational parameter of a computer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for selecting at least one smart card reader from a list of smart card readers includes receiving a parameter indicative of a reader selection criteria, setting an environment variable that specifies a reader filtering library, executing an application that uses a smart card access library, and interposing the reader filtering library between the application and the smart card access library.

Abstract: A method for selecting at least one smart card reader from a list of smart card readers includes receiving a parameter indicative of a reader selection criteria, setting an environment variable that specifies a reader filtering library, executing an application that uses a smart card access library, and interposing the reader filtering library between the application and the smart card access library.

Abstract: An apparatus for enabling a connection over a serial interface is provided. The apparatus is a connector interface that includes a plurality of switches configured to cross-link signals to switch a straight-through connection to a null-modem connection. Additionally included is a microprocessor in communication with the plurality of switches, whereby the microprocessor is capable of interfacing with the plurality of switches to trigger the switch to the null-modem connection. Circuitry and a hardware implemented method for enabling a connection over a serial interface also are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for configuring an external device. The method comprises receiving configuration information, and providing at least a portion of the configuration information to the external device through a platform-independent interface. The apparatus comprises a storage unit adapted to store a platform-independent routine and a platform-independent interface, and a control unit adapted to execute the platform-independent routine, wherein the platform-independent routine causes the control unit to receive configuration information, and configure a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device through the platform-independent interface using at least the portion of the configuration information.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for configuring an external device. The method comprises receiving configuration information, and providing at least a portion of the configuration information to the external device through a platform-independent interface. The apparatus comprises a storage unit adapted to store a platform-independent routine and a platform-independent interface, and a control unit adapted to execute the platform-independent routine, wherein the platform-independent routine causes the control unit to receive configuration information, and configure a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device through the platform-independent interface using at least the portion of the configuration information.