Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for using a video port, such as a display data channel (DDC) port, in two modes for transmitting and receiving serial data streams. In one mode, the DDC port is used to control the operation of a video display of an information processing system, such as a personal internet communicator (PIC). In another mode, the DDC channel is used as a serial port for accessing the PIC system for diagnostic and configuration purposes.

Abstract: A multipurpose media access device, which includes a communication interface operable to control transfer of data between said multipurpose user device and at least one communication network, a data storage module operable to store user data and a unique user identifier, a program storage module having at least one executable program stored therein, wherein said program contains instructions to use said unique user identifier to enable a predetermined set of operational features for said multipurpose media access device to enable a limited set of data transfer capabilities on said communication network in accordance with a user profile associated with said unique user identifier, a processor operable to execute said executable program stored in said program storage module to process data stored in said data storage module to generate a set of user data, and a display for displaying said processed user data.