Particular implementations are particularly useful in providing a system
in which the hardware is more easily upgradable and new hardware
functionality may be added without adding any new physical hardware.
Through placement of an FPGA closely associated with the CPU of a
personal computer, the FPGA may be reconfigured to act as new hardware. A
system for installing new virtual hardware involves loading firmware into
memory associated with the FPGA and reconfiguring the FPGA through a
microcontroller. Particular implementations include universal ports
associated with the FPGA into which adapter plugs can be placed to
quickly adapt to any device that may be added through the virtual
hardware use of the FPGA. Other implementations include high density
connectors into which a plurality of ports of varying configurations may
be plugged for connection of external electronic equipment through the
FPGA.