A PC Card enables you to send and receive faxes, communicate through a network, store data, and use other functions. PC Cards can be distinguished by their functions:
A PC Card is also distinguished by the interface that supports it. Before you use a PC Card, you need to make sure that your computer supports it.
This chapter explains PC Card functions and interfaces. It describes PC Card support software and explains how to use your PC Card in the operating system that you have installed.
An Advanced Technology Attach (ATA) card functions as a hard disk with the Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE**) interface**. You can transfer data between devices by inserting a card in a PC Card slot just as you would with a diskette in a diskette drive. There are two types of ATA card:
A memory card is used to read or write moderate amounts of data. There are three types of memory card:
A fax modem card is used for communication through a telephone line; ac power is not needed. You can use this card to access the PC network or the Internet, or to send a fax.
A LAN/Network card physically connects PCs in a LAN or network. The following LAN-or-network cards are available:
An integrated services digital network (ISDN) card is used to connect your computer to the ISDN network.
A small computer system interface (SCSI) card connects your computer to a SCSI device. For example, it enables you to use a SCSI disk drive that cannot fit in a small notebook PC.
There are also multi-function PC Cards, such as the Combo Card and the Multi Function Card.
Most PC Cards are 16-bit PC Cards (PCMCIA 2.0 or 2.1), providing ISA device performance.
The CardBus Card is connected as a PCI device and provides higher performance than the 16-bit PC Card.
The Zoomed Video Card(2) (ZV Card) is currently the only custom interface card available. The Zoomed Video port interface provides the connection for the ZV Card. The ZV Card enables you to write video data directly to an input port of the graphics controller. Some video-related cards are considered ZV Cards.
The ZV Card cannot be used without a PC Card device driver and a display device driver.
Attention: When you use PC Cards, be aware of the following restrictions:
| Note: | According to the operating system, you can stop the PC Card with the PC Card support software and remove it without powering off the computer. (See the PC Card support software section of the each operating system to see how to stop the PC Card.) |
(1) CardBus allows PC Cards and your computer to use 32-bit busmastering and to operate at speeds up to 33 MHz.
(2) Zoomed Video (ZV) is a connection between a PC Card and your computer that allows the card to write video data directly to the video controller. The data is transferred with no buffering requirements, because it is transferred over ZV port rather than the system bus.