A smart card that is compatible with multiple different protocols includes a standard set of contacts that comply with the protocols of a published standard, and another contact not designated by the standard which is used to indicate whether the card is to operate in a non-standard mode.When the card is to operate in the non-standard mode,a simple start-up procedure is employed which does not require strict timing constraints,enabling a less expensive interface device to be used.The interface device can be connected to any bus of a computer which operates in accordance with a desired non-standard protocol.Due to the flexibility and functionality offered by smart cards that have microprocessors incorporated therein,the multiprotocol smart card can be used to drive,or otherwise communicate with,any of a variety of peripheral devices,whether or not a personal computer is present in the system.