Windows Sound System and MPC Compatibility (89985)

SUMMARY

The Windows Sound System hardware does not meet all of the requirements to qualify for the Multimedia PC Marketing Council, Inc. (MPC) logo. However, if Windows Sound System is installed on a computer that includes the following from other cards, the system is considered MPC compliant:

a Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI)
a small computer system interface (SCSI)
a joystick port

MORE INFORMATION

The MPC designation applies to a complete computer system or to a full upgrade kit. The Windows Sound System is an audio card, which is one component of an MPC-compatible system. You need to add the other components to have your system qualify as an MPC system.

MIDI, SCSI, and joystick ports were omitted from the Windows Sound System because most users do not require these components.

Alternative means of supplying this functionality are described below.

SCSI

Almost all CD-ROM drives have a SCSI interface card. If you install this card, you must use an additional slot on your computer that you would not have had to use if the Windows Sound System card had a SCSI interface.

MIDI

Windows Sound System supports MIDI out, but not MIDI in. For example, Windows Sound System can play MIDI files, but cannot record them from a keyboard input source. To record MIDI in, you must have a separate MIDI card installed, and you must use it in conjunction with other MIDI software. The Windows Sound System card was designed for business users, who are more likely to need to play MIDI files than to create them.

Joystick

A joystick port is not built into Windows Sound System because Microsoft believes that the typical user uses a mouse to play games. For this functionality, you can install a separate card.