No matter what type of computer equipment you are using, installing a network will make your life as an educator run more smoothly. Current networking software provides many advantages for the educational environment.

Program Security

• Store copies of programs in locked, read-only spaces on the server
• Protect program files from unauthorized copying
• Prevent tampering with programs

More Secure Personal Work Files

• Save personal work in private spaces on hard disk
• Password protected from inadvertent or malicious copying and/or deletion
• No loss of information from damaged or lost floppy disks

Reduced Need for Floppy Disks

• Floppy disks are needed only for archiving old files
• Boot disks may be needed to start up workstations (Remote booting removes the need for boot disks.)

Shared Files

• Share data and program files to all network users
• Publicly accessible area to store assignments, tests, clipart, and other files
• No copying of entire class sets of data disks

Shared Printers

• Share the cost of printers among all users
• Gain access to different types of printers
• Current networking software has built-in print spooling capabilities

Shared Resources

• Share peripheral devices
• Access powerful information resources (CD-ROM drives)
• Network modems to access outside resources
  • Library card catalogues
  • Databases from all over the world
  • Wire services (newspapers, radio stations, television stations)

Easy Maintenance

• Well-planned network meets needs for several years
• Single major task of maintenance of boot disks for workstations