Abstract: A system comprises a plurality of processor sockets and a module adapted to be received into at least one of the processor sockets in place of a processor. The sockets are electrically connected by way of communication links. Each socket has a plurality of electrical contacts electrically connected to the communication links. The module has electrical contacts that electrically mate with the contacts of the socket to thereby electrically connect together at least two of the communication links.

Abstract: A secure mechanism for remotely controlling the power-on state of a host computer: A microcontroller in the host computer is supplied with standby power even when system power to the host computer is turned off. The microcontroller senses the state of the host computer's RS-232 receive line so that commands may be sent to the microcontroller over an RS-232 connection to the host computer. An output of the microcontroller is logically ORed with the output of a power switch debounce circuit of the host computer. The output of the logical OR function is used to manipulate the power-on state of the host computer. The microcontroller may be programmed to respond to numerous commands.