As Figure 11-14 illustrates, a MEC is able to mount a number of memory modules
(usually DIMMs). The card illustrated has 8 memory slots, and other MECs are available
to handle as many as 16 modules.PC Card Memory
Memory can be added to a portable PC, virtually on the fly, with a PC Card Type 1 mem-
ory card. Remember that the standards organization for PC Cards is named the Personal
Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA), with the emphasis on
memory card.
PC Card memory cards are credit card–sized or smaller memory modules that incor-
porate flash memory (SRAM). Flash memory cards, like the one shown in Figure 11-15,
are not substitutes for hard disks or other permanent storage devices, but they do instantly
add additional working memory to the portable PC. PC Card memory modules are
available with 8MB to 512MB of flash memory, with the promise of more as the tech-
nology advances.Modem Cards
A modem (which is short for modulator/demodulator) allows you to connect to and
communicate with other computers over the public telephone network. An internal
modem is one that plugs into an expansion slot on the motherboard. External modems,
which connect to the PC via a serial or USB port, have indicator lights that signal the(^234) PC Hardware: A Beginner’s Guide
Figure 11-14. A memory expansion card (MEC)