In addition to the PC itself, you'll need attachments or peripherals . Individual printers can also serve a group of PCs that are linked together. Because it involves the use of special hardware, software, and cabling, setting up a network is complex and costly. The process of connecting with other computers or networks outside your own is called on-line communication . The speed at which a modem can send or receive data is measured in bits per second, or bps .
Many networks offer educational programming and information.
See the Resources section of this Guide for descriptions of some of the services, both commercial and non-profit, that are of interest to educators. You should treat them as carefully as you'd treat your VCR, your CD player, or your cellular phone. Though diskettes are quite sturdy, they're not invulnerable. Even magnetic paper clip holders, stereo speakers, and some telephones can erase data from diskettes. Temperature extremes are also harmful.