activity of themodem. However, when using an internal modem, because it is mounted
inside the system case, the user must rely on a software interface to control the modem
and view the status of a communications session.
Internal modem cards, like most other expansion cards, are available for either the
ISA or PCI expansion buses. Figure 11-16 shows a PCI modem card. Installation of the
modem card may require some COM (serial) port assignment, but typically the modem
will have an installation disk that also includes its device driver. Any problems that are
created with the installation of the modem usually involved system resource conflicts.
Just about all notebook computers and other portables have a modem built into the sys-
tem. Should you wish to use an external modem, it would typically be added to the system
in the form of a PC Card Type 2 card. The telephone cable is attached with what is called an
X-jack, a connector that pops out of the end of the card to allow the phone cable’s RJ-11
connector to plug in (see Figure 11-17).
SeeChapter20formoreinformationaboutthefunctionsandconfigurationofmodems,
internal and external.Sound Cards
Although sound (audio) processing is included on the motherboards of some newer PCs,
it is usually added to a PC through an expansion card. Sound cards, which are covered in
detail in Chapter 21 along with video cards, are fairly standard in their basic function,
which is reproducing sound. There is a wide range of choices among sound cards, and
you’ll get what you pay for—prices of sound cards range from $20 to $400.Chapter 11: Expansion Cards^235
Figure 11-15. A PCMCIA (PC Card) flash memory card. Photo courtesy of Delkin Devices, Inc.