Abstract: In some embodiments, a state of a lock of a system is sensed, and the system is switched between a normal mode and a special mode in response to the sensing. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A telephone access system which provides remote access and communication with a computer through a telephone handset. The system provides audio instructions to the user to select between a plurality of audio dialogs. The audio dialogs may provide access to voice mail, electronic mail, a file manager (documents, databases, etc.) and facsimiles all stored within the computer. Once within an audio dialog, the system provides a series of instructions which allows the user to manipulate the information stored within the computer. For example, the system may allow the user to listen to a message received through electronic mail and then reply to the message. The system may also allow the user to remotely listen to the text of a document and FAX the document to a location remote from the computer.