Abstract: A security method for an attached computer module in a computer system. The security method reads a security identification number in an attached computer module and compares it to a security identification number in a console, which houses the attached computer module. Based upon a relationship between these numbers, a security status is selected. The security status determines the security level of operating the computer system.

Abstract: A method for installing memory into a computer module. The method includes providing a used computer module, which comprises a housing to enclose a hard disk drive, a memory module for random access memory devices and a central processing unit coupled to the hard disk drive and coupled to the random access memory. The method also includes removing a top cover from a base of the housing to expose the hard disk drive and the memory module. Thereafter, the hard disk drive is removed from the base of the housing and a second hard disk drive is inserted onto the base. The top cover is reattached to the base of the housing to complete the installation process.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses an apparatus for bridging a first computer interface bus and a second computer interface bus, where each of the first and second computer interface buses have a number of parallel multiplexed address/data bus lines and operate at a clock speed in a predetermined clock speed range having a minimum clock speed and a maximum clock speed.

Abstract: A method and device for securing a removable Attached Computer Module (“ACM”) 10. ACM 10 inserts into a Computer Module Bay (“CMB”) 40 within a peripheral console to form a functional computer such as a desktop computer or portable computer. The present ACM 10 includes a locking system, which includes hardware and software 600, 700, to prevent accidental removal or theft of the ACM from the peripheral console. While ACM is in transit, further security is necessary against illegal or unauthorized use. If ACM contains confidential data, a high security method is needed to safeguard against theft.

Abstract: A computer module includes a central processing unit capable of operating at a first performance level and capable of operating at a second performance level in response to configuration signals, and a control logic coupled to the central processing unit for receiving configuration signals and for generating the performance configuration signals, the performance configuration signals comprising a bus clock, a speed multiplier, and an operating voltage, the control logic having a clocked control for receiving the performance configuration signals and in response specifying the speed multiplier, clock configuration signals, and voltage configuration signals, a clock driver coupled to the clocked control logic for receiving the clock configuration signals and in response for outputting the bus clock, and a voltage converter coupled to the clocked control logic for receiving the voltage configuration signals and in response outputting the operating voltage.

Abstract: A computer module removably coupled to a console for outputting video data, includes a host interface controller coupled to receive a console configuration signal from the console, a graphics accelerator, a television signal encoder coupled to the graphics accelerator for receiving video data and for outputting television signals, and a central processing unit coupled to the host interface controller, to the graphics accelerator, and to the television signal encoder, for processing the console configuration signal and for enabling the television signal encoder to output the television signals to the console.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses an apparatus for bridging a first computer interface bus and a second computer interface bus, where each of the first and second computer interface buses have a number of parallel multiplexed address/data bus lines and operate at a clock speed in a predetermined clock speed range having a minimum clock speed and a maximum clock speed.

Abstract: A personal computer system comprises physically separate units and an interconnection between the units. An attached computing module (ACM) contains the core computing power and environment for a computer user. A peripheral console (PCON), contains the power supply and primary input and output devices for the computer system. To form an operational computer system, an ACM is coupled with a PCON. The plug-in module design of the ACM, and the concentration of high-value components therein (both in terms of high-value hardware and high-value files), makes it easy for a user to transport the high-value core between multiple PCON's, each of which can enjoy a relatively low cost. The concentration of a user's core computing environment in a small, portable package also makes it possible for large organizations to perform moves, adds, and changes to personal computer systems with greater efficiency.

Abstract: A graphics interface circuit for connecting a serial output port of a video RAM to a RAMDAC to allow a user selectable color mode to be displayed wherein the selectable color modes allows one of 256, 32K, 64K or 16.7M colors to be displayed at one time. A host microprocessor addresses the video RAM as a linear, unfragmented address space in the selected one of these modes. The invention provides an improved utilization of the video RAM memory space, as well as improved memory bandwidth as compared with prior art techniques. A graphics interface module allows for 8, 16, 24 or 32 bit wide output on the data bus from the interface to a RAMDAC. A display system of the type in which the present invention may be utilized places data generated by a host processor, after processing by a graphic displays processor into a video memory. The display processor constantly updates the video memory based upon the data generated by the host processor.