There is a whole infrastructure that must support a successful universal student computing requirement. Conventional approaches would have the students plugging into a wired network. That would necessitate network wires and hubs or many ports in each classroom. Students would need access to course-related software. Because the needs would change…

Grid computing allows large groups of computers (either in a lab, or remote and connected only by the Internet) to extend extra processing power to each individual computer to work on components of a complex request. Grid middleware, recognizing priorities set by systems administrators, allows the grid to identify and use this power without…

Discusses the management perspectives of the transition to distributed support services for information technology at Rice University (Texas), focusing on the implementation process, changes that were required in migrating from a strong centralized organization to a distributed model, and the challenges encountered in the implementation. (MDM)

Community networks are electronic information services that enable members of communities to inform one another about current issues. Discusses how community networks operate, what they do, budget constraints and innovation, problems and shortcomings, causes and solutions, and where libraries fit in. Highlights Charlotte's Web, a community network…

Discusses computer user authentication and authorization issues when libraries need to let valid users access databases and information services without making the process too difficult for either party. Common solutions are explained, including filtering, passwords, and kerberos (cryptographic authentication scheme for secure use over public…

Computing authorities at 34 research universities have launched an effort to create a national computer network for higher education several times as fast as the Internet. The network would be supported by several corporate partners in computer and telecommunications industries and by the federal government, would not replace Internet connections,…

Describes the Indonesian Digital Library Network that is designed to develop Indonesia as a knowledge-based society. Highlights include the digital divide; problems in a developing country, including Internet accessibility, bandwidth capacity, and network delays; gathering information about national assets; information infrastructure; data…

Describes a planning framework that provides the technical foundation necessary to support Web-based relationships and applications in higher education. The framework enables delivery of information, tools, and services to all of a university's constituents. (EV)

Online users leave traces that others can find and use. Provides an overview of where and how users leave traces and what users can do to protect their privacy. Discusses Internet accounts; special files ("signature,""plan,""project,""file,""finger,""whois," and "vacation");…

Steady technology growth has allowed a Massachusetts school district to build a large, centralized database; improve a vast array of standard administrative operations; and design software applications tailored to many special needs. (MLF)

Discusses Web site design and information architecture in light of principles of New Urbanism that are being applied in urban planning situations. Topics include networked electronic environment design; user-centered network design; multidisciplinary approaches; knowledge access and collaboration; and the Global Information Infrastructure…

Discusses electronic bulletin boards that have been created by U.S. government agencies and suggests a method to make the information they contain more accessible to libraries and the public. Costs and technological issues are considered, and an appendix describes networks and computer programs that would facilitate access to government…

Describes New Haven (Connecticut) Public Schools' decentralized computer network system, which links its 42 schools electronically, keeps better track of students, and has allowed the district to centralize its school registration. A sidebar describes New Haven's computerized curriculum network designed to help teachers track students' daily…

Describes the information systems strategy and network development of the Benetton clothing business. Applications in the areas of manufacturing, scheduling, centralized distribution, and centralized cash flow are discussed; the GEIS managed network service is described; and internal and external electronic data interchange (EDI) is explained.…

Describes the Listening Comprehension Exercise Network, a system that allows for the sharing of listening exercises in Russian via computer networks. The network, which could be emulated in other languages, alleviates the problem of time spent on developing essentially "throw-away" exercises. (21 references) (Author/CB)