NETWORdsUse: Surge Suppressors—Electricity Can Follow Any Path

Ever since libraries began installing microcomputers, we've heard the admonitions to plug the power supply cord of the micro into a surge‐protected outlet or a power strip that has a built‐in surge suppressor. The point is to protect the hardware from damage to sensitive circuitry and to reduce the potential for loss of data. Such surge suppressors aren't expensive and are readily available. These devices are designed to accommodate any standard three‐prong grounded power supply plug, so that not only micros, but other peripherals such as external modems, printers, and monitors [and other expensive electronic equipment such as CD audio players and VCRs] can also be protected.