ActionTec PC-250, User Manual

Page: 17 / 85

Introduction
PC-250, PC-260, and PC-300 User’s Guide Page 17
For most PC Cards, the Socket Services driver, Card Services driver
and the Super Client driver are all that is necessary for proper
operation. There are some cards, such as LAN and SCSI cards that
require a user-installed PCMCIA Card Services client driver and/or
Card Services enabler.
PCMCIA Card Services Client Drivers
A client driver is a program that comes from the manufacturer of the PC
Card specifically to support the operation of the card. The purpose of
this program is to manage the unique functions of the card. For
example, the client driver for a network controls the flow of data
between the PC and the network. The client driver for a network card
manages information flow between the PC and the network.
Enablers
An enabler is a program that runs once to configure a PC Card and
socket. Enablers are often used in conjunction with LAN, SCSI or other
device driver software.
Card Information Structure (CIS)
Each card carries identity information stored in the on-card CIS. If a PC
Card follows the PCMCIA standard for storing the CIS, a properly
configured computer or Card Reader that conforms to the PCMCIA
standard can automatically identify, install and operate a PC Card.
CIS information includes the card type, functional capabilities (for
example, Ethernet LAN or 10 Mbyte Flash memory), manufacturer and
part number. Usually, the CIS is stored permanently on the card. The
CIS may be stored in attribute memory, common memory or both.
If a memory card does not supply all the required information, a user
can create the CIS and store it on the card. The CardTalk Control Panel
lets you configure and operate a wide range of memory cards by
selecting the card from a list, if automatic card recognition fails.
Terminology
In addition to the PCMCIA terms introduced in the last section, this
manual uses the following terms.
Fax/modem
This term refers to data modem cards and
cards that combine both data transmission