Abstract: A computer subassembly aspect is disclosed comprising a case defining an interior, a primary circuit board located in the interior of the case, and a BIOS chip socket mounted on the primary circuit board. The case has an opening formed therein that is aligned with a position of the BIOS chip socket on the primary circuit board to permit insertion of a BIOS chip into the BIOS chip socket through the opening. A method of assembling a computer is also disclosed that comprises assembling a subassembly of a laptop computer in a first location, with the subassembly including a BIOS chip socket for receiving a BIOS chip but lacking a BIOS chip, transporting the subassembly from the first location to a second location, and installing a BIOS chip into the BIOS chip socket of the subassembly when the subassembly is in the second location.

Abstract: For analog telephone service subscribers, an apparatus and a method is provided for displaying a caller's originating number and/or the current time of day on the subscriber's incoming call line identification equipment. The subscriber's originating telephone number is obtained from a database within the telephone switching system providing POTS service to the subscriber. The time of day is obtained from a real-time clock within or in communication with the telephone switching system. Data is preferably transmitted to the subscriber's equipment by analog frequency shift keyed protocol.

Abstract: A controller capable of being located in a peripheral device or host, is capable of engaging in data communications with a host or peripheral device over a power line. A power line interface provides a first data communications interface over the power line. An interface controller connects peripheral device and host using the first and a second data communications interface having a protocol. A power supply supplies power associated with the second interface. The controller appears to the peripheral device as the host or as the host to the peripheral. In accordance with the protocol the power supply supplies power such that the interface is fully compliant with the protocol.

Abstract: A disk drive system includes a control bus, a processor and a controller attached to the control bus. An error table and an audio signal table are in communication with the controller and processor. An audio output device is attached to the bus of the disk drive. The audio signal table outputs information to the audio output device to produce an audible output in response to the controller detecting a particular error in the error table. The audio output can be digital and may be directed to an interface with a computer system such as a SPDIF output. The audio output can also be converted to an analog signal and directed to a component on the motherboard of a computer system. The disk drive system can also include a software instruction set for changing the error status of an error message to the status associated with a compact disk.

Abstract: A device mounting and retention mechanism is disclosed, comprising a guide disposed on a device so that the guide is capable of slidably moving along a guide channel so that a retention mechanism may engage the guide thereby providing a restraining force and ground for the device. A device retention assembly is also disclosed, comprising a guide mounted on a device so that the guide is capable of slidably moving along a guide channel disposed on a housing so that the retention mechanism is capable of flexibly engaging the guide, thereby providing a restraining force. A device mounting assembly is also disclosed, comprising a first guide mounted on a device and a second guide mounted on a device wherein a guide channel is formed so as to selectively accept the first guide and exclude the second guide.

Abstract: A drive is capable of printing a label on a unit of optical media. The drive includes a first head optically communicating with the media on a first side and a second label printing head for applying a visual label associated with the unit of optical media on a second side while the media is in an operational position. The first head includes an optical read-only head or read-write head. The second label printing head includes a fixed or movable print head, thermal, ink jet, or laser print head. The second head can communicate through electrical contacts or a wireless interface with a circular film having addressable elements capable of being addressed and providing a visual display via liquid crystal elements.