Summary

Macintosh Networking Kit containing connectors. These connectors are attached to cables to form the AppleNetworking Cable System. The Networking System was used in establishing a network connecting computers and peripherals, e.g. printers.

The first Macintosh released in 1984 contained an in-built network card, which meant that from the outset, all Macintosh computers were networkable and connectable to a printer. The network system introduced by Apple was called LocalTalk and the software that ran it was called AppleTalk. A consequence was the ability to connect multiple computers to the printer, such as the Apple LaserWriter.

The connector kit contains the components necessary to establish a network. Additional cable could be purchased separately.

By comparison, Wintel-based computers of the era needed network cards installed and these were made by a variety of manufacturers and led to difficulties in establishing operating networks. But Apple's system did not have this variable factor, and a consequence was extreme reliability. You plugged it in and it worked! This was the beginning of Apple's reputation for what came to be known as 'plug and play'.

Part of a representative collection of hardware, software, trade literature and promotional material that documents the history of the Apple company, and its contribution to, and impact on the computer industry and society.

Physical Description

White cardboard box containing: Network cable Junction box Cable connectors (2) mounted in beige plastic holder with unopened manual wrapped in cellophane; and packing list.

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