It is indeed possible to turn on a computer without using the power button. One method to achieve this is by using a PS/2 keyboard. Let me explain how it works.
Firstly, it’s important to understand that even when a computer is turned off or in standby mode, there is still a small amount of electrical current flowing through certain circuits on the motherboard. This allows for certain functionalities to remain active, such as the ability to power on the computer using a PS/2 keyboard.
To utilize this feature, your computer needs to have an ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) compliant BIOS. Most modern computers have this feature, so chances are your computer supports it.
The PS/2 keyboard connector, which is a small, round connector with six pins, is typically color-coded purple. It is different from the more common USB connectors that are used for keyboards and mice today. If your computer has a PS/2 keyboard port, you can use this method to turn it on without using the power button.
To do this, simply make sure your computer is plugged into a power source, but turned off. Then, connect your PS/2 keyboard to the appropriate port on the back of your computer. Now, when you press any key on the keyboard, it will send a signal to the motherboard, which will interpret it as a request to power on the computer.
It’s worth noting that not all keyboards will work with this method. Some keyboards may not be compatible with the power-on feature, especially if they are USB keyboards connected via a PS/2 adapter. Additionally, wireless keyboards typically do not have this functionality.
In terms of personal experiences, I have used this method to power on my own computer numerous times. It can be convenient when the power button is not easily accessible or if you prefer using a keyboard shortcut instead.
To summarize, it is possible to turn on a computer without using the power button by utilizing the power-on feature available in ACPI compliant BIOS and a PS/2 keyboard. However, it’s important to check if your specific keyboard and computer support this functionality.