Abstract: An apparatus for setting up a time/date of a CMOS real-time-clock within a computer system is disclosed. The computer system includes a processor, a memory, an I/O controller and a first parallel port interface. The apparatus uses the first parallel port within the system to set up the CMOS real-time-clock. The apparatus includes a reference real-time-clock for storing a reference date/time, a second parallel port interface connected to the first parallel port interface. The second parallel port interface is connected to the reference real-time-clock through a signal line. The computer system, responsive to a set-up instruction, reads the reference date/time from the reference real-time-clock and writes the reference date/time, via the I/O controller, into the CMOS real-time-clock of the computer system.

Abstract: A capacity calibration apparatus for the battery of a portable computer system is provided. The computer system includes a main board circuit, a processor unit, a display unit, a power-supply board circuit, a battery and a parallel port interface. The capacity calibration apparatus includes a standard parallel port interface and a control circuit. The standard parallel port interface is connected to the parallel port interface of the computer system. Via the parallel port interface, the computer system outputs at least one control signal to the capacity calibration apparatus. The capacity calibration apparatus selectively outputs the alternating current supply to the power-supply board circuit in order to proceed a charge/discharge procedure of a predetermined type such that the capacity value of the battery is initialized.