There are two options available for PPS schools to connect to the Internet.
This option uses a single computer with a modem attached to a dedicated phone line. The minimum computer requirement will provide you with a slow Internet connection that will be strictly text based. This is good for email, news and gopher. The minimum computer requirement for graphics use will provide you with fast Internet access that will have full multimedia capability.
This option allows one user per phone line.
* The following guidelines and prices are approximate and must be researched before you actually purchase a system. These guidelines do not include information about specific system configurations, ongoing repair, replacement costs, and human support costs.
| Minimum Requirements for Text | Minimum Requirements for Multimedia | |
| PC Processor | PC 8088 or Higher | Pentium 120 or higher |
| MAC Processor | Motorola 68000 or Higher | Motorola 68040 or Power PC |
| RAM | 640 kb | 16 mb |
| Hard Drive | Not Necessary - 20 mb preferred | 1.2 gigabyte |
| Modem | 1200 bps | 28,800 bps |
| Floppy Drive | Either 3.5" or 5.25" | 3.5" DS-HD |
| Compact Disk | not necessary | 8x CD player |
| Mouse or Trackball | not necessary | Either |
| Monitor | 12" monochrome | 15" SVGA non-interlaced |
| Sound | not necessary | sound card and speakers |
| Cost | $0 - $500 | $2000 |
This level of access will allow for many students and teachers to access the Internet simultaneously. This option is preferred because it is both powerful in its capacity and can grow with your needs. The initial cost for this model provides for the infrastructure necessary to connect all of the school computers with the Internet.
* All costs are approximate, due to the volitile nature of the market. The computers used are the same as those configured above (minimum requirements for graphics). The only difference is that an ethernet card replaces the modem. Remember, these are minimum requirements. You may need to consider more powerful computers if you want to run Windows 95 or other software packages.
| Approximate Fixed Cost | Approximate Variable Cost | |
| Connectivity - ISDN (112 kb) - School | $400 install | $40 per month if located in the city |
| Connectivity - ISDN (112 kb) - Central Office | $400 install | $40 per month if located in the city |
| ISDN Interface - School | Cisco Router - $1300 | none |
| ISDN Interface - Central Office | Cisco Router - $1300 | none |
| Router | $1300 if not included with ISDN Interface | none |
| Managed Concentrator | $1600 | none |
| Wiring | $100 - $500 per drop (computer) | none |
| File Server | $6000 | none |
| Networked Laser Printer | $2000 | none |
| Computers | $2000 x number of computers | none |
| Software | Internet software is free | optional software |
| Total |
For further information pertaining to school access to the Internet, contact Common Knowledge: Pittsburgh or PPS Computer Services.
| Common Knowledge: Pittsburgh | 655-2230 | ckp-ed-staff@pps.pgh.pa.us |
| PPS Computer Services | 622-3715 | pps-tech-staff@pps.pgh.pa.us |