Abstract: A method and circuitry for using two buffers containing video display information is shown. One buffer contains character mask or dot image information, while the other buffer has two portions, foreground and background, which store attribute information. In non-compatible write operations attribute information stored in registers is written to the attribute buffers when mask information is written to the first buffer. In compatible write operations the attribute value is written to the foreground attribute buffer and zero is written to the background buffer, while an OR'ed value of the attribute value is written to the first buffer. In non-compatible read operations the value in the first buffer may be obtained or a CRC value may be generated on the entire character cell. The CRC value can be compared with similar CRC values developed on the character mask of interest to determine if a character is present in the cell.

Abstract: A dynamically configurable computer system which includes apparatus for storing former and sensed current system configuration data and for automatically reconfiguring the system without user interaction.

Abstract: A battery powered computer system monitors the address bus to determine when selected peripheral devices have not been accessed for a preset amount of time. When the preset amount of time has passed the system powers itself down and stops the system clock, placing it in a standby mode. The system is awakened by depressing a standby switch, unless there is insufficient energy in the batteries, under which circumstances an AC power source must be connected before the system can be awakened.

Abstract: A battery powered computer system monitors the address bus to determine when selected peripheral devices have not been accessed for a preset amount of time. When the preset amount of time has passed the system powers itself down and stops the system clock, placing it in a standby mode. The system is awakened by depressing a standby switch, unless there is insufficient energy in the batteries, under which circumstances an AC power source must be connected before the system can be awakened.