What’s PCMCIA?

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PCMCIA is a non-profit partnership that established an international standard for PC cards. There are three types of PCMCIA cards, with different widths and applications. PCMCIA cards are used in many devices, including cameras and automobiles. The latest technology is the ExpressCard, which is smaller and has improved features. PCMCIA cards are a simple and reliable way to upgrade or add options to PCs.

Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) is a non-profit partnership of over 500 companies, founded in 1989. Their goal has been to establish an international standard for what is now known as personal computer (PC) cards . PC Cards were originally used to add memory to notebook computers but are now used in many different devices.

PCMCIA cards are the size of a credit card. There are basically three different types of PCMCIA cards. They are all the same rectangular size, but differ in width. If you look at the back of your computer, you should see the slots that PCMCIA cards fit into. The three different widths have different applications for your computer.

Type I card is used to add extra memory, ROM or RAM to your PC. The Type II card adds Internet modem or fax modem capabilities. The Type III card, usually the thickest of the three, is large enough for portable disc players.

Over the years, PCMCIA has increased the flexibility of its cards. With the advent of the many multimedia applications that PCs are capable of today, cards now have high-speed networking capabilities. With the development of technology, cards are no longer just for computers. Other devices can also take advantage of PCMCIA cards. Cable televisions, cameras, and even automobiles with devices such as satellite navigation systems and personal tracking systems benefit from PCMCIA technology.

As technology has grown to include devices such as cameras, the need for smaller cards has been successfully addressed. Newer cards which are much smaller have been added to the range. These small PC cards can be inserted into cameras to add extra memory and then inserted into a PC or printer to enable the transfer of photographs or data. Now you have the possibility to print your photographs easily and with very little expense.

The latest PCMCIA technology is the ExpressCard. The ExpressCard is about half the size of a regular PC Card, but has a wide range of features and improved performance not previously available. The ExpressCard has features like wireless communications, extra memory and security services all in one device. It can be easily inserted into the PC without the need to open or unscrew any part of the PC.
Over the years, computer manufacturers have embraced PCMCIA cards. They can be used in Macintosh and Windows PCs and can usually be installed without the need to restart the PC. Because the cards and slots are of a universal standard, they’re a simple and reliable way to upgrade or add options not previously available to PCs.




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