What is PCMCIA?
The International PC Card (PCMCIA) Association (PCMCIA) is a non -profit partnership of more than 500 companies founded in 1989. Its aim was to set an international standard for what is now called PC cards (PC). PC cards were originally used to add memory to laptops, but are now used in many different devices. There are basically three different types of PCMCIA cards. All of them are the same rectangular size, but differ in width. If you look at the back of the computer, you should see slots that fit PCMCIA cards. Three different widths have different applications for your computer.
The type I card is used to add more memory, ROM or RAM to your PC. The type II card adds the modem or fax modem capabilities. Type III card, usually the strongest card of three, is large enough for portable disc players.
Over the years, the PCMCIA has increased the cards. With the advent of many multimedia applications whoRé PCs are currently capable of having high -speed network capabilities. As technology evolves, cards are no longer just for computers. Other devices can also benefit from PCMCIA cards. Cable TVs, cameras and even cars with devices such as satellite navigation systems and personal tracking systems, benefit from PCMCIA technology.
As the technology has grown to include devices such as cameras, the need for smaller cards has been successfully solved. Newer cards have been added to the range, which are much smaller. These small computer cards can be inserted into cameras to add more memory, and then inserted into a computer or printer to allow photo or data transfer. Now you have the ability to print your own photos easily and with very small costs.
The latest PCMCIA technology is ExpressCard. ExpressCard is approximately halfThe size of a conventional PC card, but has a wide range of capabilities and improved performance features that were not previously available. ExpressCard has features such as wireless communication, extra memory and safety devices, all in one device. It can be easily inserted into the PC without having to open or unscrew any part of the computer.
Over the years, PCMCIA card manufacturers welcomed computers. They can be used on Macintosh and Windows computers and can usually be installed without restarting the computer. Because cards and slots have a universal standard, they are an easy and reliable way to upgrade or add options that the PCs were not available before.