Abstract: Method and a system for automatically and securely performing computer power up and logon functions. In one embodiment, the system is implemented in a personal computer ("PC") and comprises a central processing unit ("CPU"), a card reader for reading data encoded on user identification cards "swiped" therethrough, and a power supply capable of constantly providing a low power, or "flea power," signal to various components of the PC, including the CPU and card reader, for enabling a soft power startup of the PC. Responsive to detection of a user identification card being swiped through a slot on the card reader, the card reader reads information for identifying the user, in particular, a user ID and security code, encoded on the card and transmits the read information to the CPU. If the CPU determines that the user identified by the user ID is authorized to access the PC, the PC is powered up and the user is logged onto the PC using the data read from the card.

Abstract: A three-way power switch for turning on and off an entire computer system with a single switch. The host computer includes a soft-start circuitry for detecting display data channel (DDC) activation signals from a DDC-capable monitor. Thus, a toggle power switch on the monitor turns on and off the entire system, where the computer powers up or down based on the presence or absence, respectively, of the DDC signals. In a second embodiment, the monitor includes soft-start circuitry which detects the presence/absence of video signals from the host computer for powering up/down the monitor, respectively. Thus, in the second embodiment, a power switch either on the monitor or computer system is used to turn on and off the entire system. A third embodiment is similar to the second embodiment except bi-directional DDC2 signals are used as an activation signal to power up or down the monitor.