What Is a PCMCIA Card for Laptop Computers?

Attach an old laptop to wireless Internet.

Since most newly manufactured laptops have wireless capability built into them, most people don't require a PCMCIA card for their laptop. Older laptops will, however, require one to connect wirelessly to the Internet.

Peripherals

A PCMCIA card is a peripheral piece of hardware that fits into a specifically designed slot in an older laptop computer.

Types

The PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) card has three types: I, II and III. Type I is usually used as peripheral memory; type II is associated with modems, LANs and sound; and type III is an ATA hard drive card.

Wireless

PCMCIA cards are largely associated with wireless Internet using a router. The card operates on a frequency of 802.11b/g. When slotted into the PC slot of a laptop, it enables wireless Internet.

Router

The PCMCIA card has a connector made up of 68 pins that fit into the laptop slot. When connected, the card may require software to allow it to communicate with the router. When you purchase a router, you will likely get a PCMCIA card with it.

References

• SearchWinIT.com: PCMCIA Definitions