A LAN card allows wireless internet access by exchanging signals with a router over a wired line. It’s used in homes, college campuses, and businesses. The card communicates with the router using radio waves and an antenna, and multiple users can connect to the router with unique identities. Security settings are available, and it’s recommended […]
A half-height video card is a smaller version of a standard video card used to fit into smaller computer cases or improve cooling. They have the same capabilities as full-height cards. Video cards are added to enhance functionality and come in different sizes and slot configurations. Reasons for using a half-height video card include physical […]
An optical sound card outputs audio to devices with digital optical input, commonly found on home theater receivers. Sound cards process audio information and can be internal or external, with optical capabilities found on high-end multi-channel audio cards. Optical cables, also called TOSlink, use optical fibers to transmit data with less interference and loss than […]
A SIM card stores network and subscriber information for mobile devices, identifying users on a network and providing access to services. It contains ICCID numbers and an authentication key for network security. SIM cards come in three sizes, with Mini and Micro SIMs being the most common. A subscriber identity module, otherwise known as a […]
A dual monitor video card allows multiple monitors to be connected to a single computer, enabling enhanced functionality and usability. It can create an extended desktop, different windows and functionality between monitors, and interactivity. It benefits basic operations and specialized software, allowing two full-screen applications to run on each monitor. Applications don’t run in true […]
Using a sound card for recording is simple with a basic sound card and recording program. You can change the source to your sound card to record directly from a microphone or instrument. A better quality sound card may be needed for music recording. You can use a program to record any audio playing on […]
PCMCIA network cards allow laptops to connect to the internet and LANs. They come in Ethernet and wireless formats, with three generations of cards. They are easily installed and can upgrade older laptops. The PCMCIA standard was replaced by ExpressCard in 2009. A PCMCIA network card, or PC Card, allows laptop computers to connect to […]
A PCI network card can be installed in a desktop computer’s motherboard to connect to a wired or wireless network. Installation is simple, but may require software. Wired cards have Ethernet ports, while wireless cards have antennas and a light to indicate proper function. A PCI network card is a type of computer hardware that […]
SATA drives are common in modern computers, but older ones can use a SATA card to connect them. These cards occupy a PCI expansion slot and allow access to large modern drives, but can be buggy. SATA cards can contain one to four internal drives and zero to two external drives. Some have a limit […]
A MIDI sound card connects musical instruments to a computer for recording and editing in a MIDI format. It can be built into a motherboard or installed separately, and allows for audio input and output. MIDI data is digital and can be synthesized, often using a keyboard as the input device. A music instrument digital […]
Flash cards are small data storage devices that use non-volatile flash memory to store data. They are reliable due to having no moving parts and are used in many devices. However, the lack of standardization means they may not be interchangeable between devices. Popular formats include CompactFlash®, SmartMedia®, and Secure Digital (SD). Flash card readers […]
An integrated network card connects a computer to a network, either wired or wireless. It may have an RJ45 port for Ethernet cables or a built-in receiver for WiFi. Different standards exist for wireless communication, and external adapters can be used if necessary. Mobile broadband adapters are also available. Aftermarket adapters are easy to find, […]
Expansion cards add functionality to desktop computers by being installed in the motherboard’s expansion slot. Video and sound cards are common examples. Laptops use PCMCIA cards. The Altair 8800 was the first microcomputer to add an expansion card bus. Most cards are plugged into PCI slots. Standard interface adapters offer various functions, while low profile […]
A memory card reader transfers data from flash memory cards to computers. They come in single or multiple card readers, with the latter being more versatile. They save batteries and wear and tear on devices and are available in various sizes and formats. Some computers, printers, and monitors already have built-in card readers. When purchasing […]
Video card pipelines determine how quickly a video card can process data on the screen. More pipelines mean faster processing and smoother motion in movies and games. Other factors to consider include memory bus, onboard memory, and GPU clock speed. When shopping for a graphics card, compare specs and look for discounts and customer reviews. […]
A daughterboard is a circuit board added to an existing motherboard, often used for adding functionality without requiring more space. It differs from expansion cards and may require professional installation. With advances in technology, daughterboards are becoming less necessary. A daughterboard or daughterboard is a type of circuit board that is added to an existing […]
A daughter card is a small circuit board that improves a computer’s performance and functionality, often by adding memory or network connections. It is added after market and connects directly to the motherboard. It can be used to customize a computer for specialized tasks and is usually easy to install. A daughter card, also sometimes […]
To test a network card, ping a popular website from the command line to check response time, packets sent/received/lost. Check device properties or IP configuration for issues. Diagnostic tools can help. The usual reason people test a network card is to find out if it works properly and if it allows the computer to access […]
A sound card processes audio files for high-quality playback through a computer’s speakers. It can handle various audio file formats and has input/output ports, including a line-in port for external devices and a microphone port. Advanced cards have more versatility and software programs for editing and recording. Motherboards may have built-in sound cards, but third-party […]
A diagnostic card, also known as a POST card, is inserted into a computer’s PCI slot to run diagnostics on hardware components. It accesses the BIOS to check for errors and reports beep codes to identify problems. It is useful for troubleshooting when a computer freezes or won’t start. However, it only detects errors in […]
