USB to ISA card for file transfer on older PCs

[Middleman]

Talking about tinkering with older machines, I just discovered this device apparently exists

It’s a USB to ISA adapter for older PCs and it allows anyone to be able to use a FAT32 USB drive with it to transfer data to and from the PC’s ISA slot by adding a driver under config.sys.

 

[dfritchie]

Wait, what?

Didn't think any ISA existed outside of landfills, LOL!

 

[Middleman]

Wait, what?

Didn't think any ISA existed outside of landfills, LOL!

Well you'd be surprised but there are a lot of PC enthusiasts/users still out there with older gear running around that they'd like to tinker with. Imagine being able to transfer quicker than using just RS232 serial port, or trying to update an older system tied to a mainframe for example like those used in public utilities. A lot of PCs used in the UK's National Health Service (NHS) network today are still on XP systems from way back like 22 years ago - and some didn't even have USB ports. And yes they still get support from Microsoft believe it or not because the UK government pays a fair amount to Microsoft each year for the privilege. They are the only known group afaik (outside of existing XP users worldwide) that has this privilege (of new XP updates for 2022).