Abstract: A computer power supply, motherboard, and computer system each is adapted for providing multiple operating functions. Of particular importance is an energy-conserving operating function that eliminates any unnecessary energy waste and annoying noise, while allowing information processing to continue, as opposed to (1) a conventional operating state that inevitably incurs substantial energy waste and annoying noise, and to (2) a conventional suspend state that idles and deactivates information processing essentially. Of anther importance is an operating system for selectively executing a power-down process to an energy-conserving operating function and a power-up process to a full operating function.

Abstract: An energy-conserving computer or information communication apparatus comprising keep-alive communication circuitry, keep-alive memory circuitry, keep-alive control means, and keep-alive operating instructions for establishing instant communications without consuming main energy. Preferably, a power source carried on a signal-transmitting phone line or cable is used as keep-alive power. Also provided is an energy-conserving operating system capable of entering an energy-conserving operating state in addition to the normal operating state and the sleep, off, or standby state. Consequently, for the first time, the energy-conserving communication apparatuses or computers can stay normally offline (like telephones) for establishing instant and universal communications therebetween via the Internet, and allow to proceed with the download of communication information in the energy-conserving operating state similar to the conventional sleep state, without entering the power-consuming normal operating state.

Abstract: An energy-conserving computer system allowing for instantaneous and remote access using keep-alive power-distributing circuitry for continuously distributing keep-alive DC power to a first group of circuitry including keep-alive memory means (such as ROM, RAM, or preferably SRAM) for storing task information (reflecting the operating activity of the energy-conserving computer system) to be kept alive, and switchable power-distributing circuitry for selectively distributing main DC power to a second group of circuitry, the switchable power-distributing circuitry including a plurality of slots for detachably establishing circuit communication with circuit cards to be selectively powered.

Abstract: An energy-conserving power-supply system utilizes a keep-alive DC power to consistently power a control circuit so as to render a main power supply readily actuatable for either distributing AC power or supplying regulated DC power. The energy-conserving power-supply system allows any one of modern information-processing or entertainment electronic products to be readily operable manually, remotely, or automatically from a standby state; while, it totally eliminates any unnecessary energy waste because AC power is neither transmitted nor wasted not only within but outside the power-supply system. The latter allows an external line-operated device to be concurrently operable from a no-power state, i.e., without consuming any standby energy at all. Not only can the energy-conserving power-supply system conserve energy usage to the greatest extent, it will also correspondingly extend the life spans of electronic circuitry and electromechanical components.