More educators could effectively communicate with network designers and installers if they understood the technical vocabulary related to computer networks. Terms associated with local area and wide area networks--building materials, connection strategies, network traffic control, and protocols--are defined. Advice is given for planning school…

With the current state of computing and data communication technology, connecting widely dispersed, multivendor computing resources is a complex and expensive undertaking. Network strategies and management issues are discussed. (MLW)

Describes the hardware, operating systems, and expenses involved with linking personal computers in low-cost, small- to medium-sized LANs (local area networks) that permit users to share CD-ROM resources. Purchasing and installing Ethernet hardware, the use of starter kits, assembling individual components, and LANtastic and NetWare Lite network…

Presents an overview of two projects that concern local area networks and the common point between networks as they relate to network security. Discusses security architectures based on firewall components, packet filters, application gateways, security-management components, an intranet solution, user registration by Web form, and requests for…

The data communications requirements of California State University, Los Angeles, reflected in its proposals for an integrated voice/data communications system are described. The advantages and disadvantages of three data communications technologies--voice-and-data private branch exchange, data private branch exchange, and the local area…

Discusses computer networking and the cost effectiveness of decentralization, including local area networks. A planned experiment with a centralized approach to the operation and management of file servers at the University of South Carolina is described that hopes to realize cost savings and the avoidance of staffing problems. (Contains four…

This article describes the development at Case Western Reserve University of an all-fiber optic communications network linking 7,300 outlets (faculty offices, student residences, classrooms, libraries, and laboratories) with computer data, television, audio, facsimile, and image information services. (Author/DB)

This article discusses the emergence of the client/server paradigm for the delivery of computer applications, its emergence in response to the proliferation of microcomputers and local area networks, the applicability of the model in academic institutions, and its implications for college campus information technology organizations. (Author/DB)

This supplement offers a practical guide for wiring school classrooms for local area networks (James P. Tenbusch and Harry Vaughan); shows how a California school district built a network infrastructure from scratch (James Klein); and describes how a Utah district negotiated cheap, fast Internet access over plain old telephone wires (Mary…

This report describes Earth Lab, a project which is demonstrating new ways of using computers for upper-elementary and middle-school science instruction, and finding ways to integrate local-area and telecommunications networks. The discussion covers software, classroom activities, formative research on communications networks, and integration of…

Discusses some of the reasons why some schools are using their computers to form local area networks (LANs). Presents some low-cost alternatives to full-fledged networking systems. (TW)

Explains the myths and marvels of computer networks; cites how several schools are utilizing networking; and summarizes where the major computer companies stand today when it comes to networking. (MLF)

Presents the history of the Internet with specific emphasis on Mosaic; discusses hypertext and hypermedia information; and describes software and hardware requirements. Sidebars include information on the National Center for Super Computing Applications (NCSA); World Wide Web browsers for use in Windows, Macintosh, and X-Windows (UNIX); and…

Virus programs have become a significant problem in the computer industry. The effects of these programs have been publicized widely. Anyone working with microcomputers cannot have escaped exposure to the term. Yet, there are a large number of people (teachers in particular) who have only vague notions of what viruses are. This paper provides a…

Technologies can play a role in restructuring schools, but they can also effectively support existing school structures depending on how they are designed and used. This paper contrasts the organizational impact of two technology systems in terms of the physical location in the school, the curriculum, how time is scheduled, and the opportunities…