Computers have become an important part of today's classrooms. They are an important tool for both teachers and students. An effective way to connect these computers, and everyone using them, is to set up a network. Networks have many uses in an academic setting.

Shared resources

Local connections such as a directly connected printer or resources like printers or file servers
shared over a small LANs

Inter-Computer Communication

Some services such as Usenet News involve communications between computers where no
human operator is involved.

File transfer and Archives

Freeware, shareware, etc.

Inter-Personal Communication

E-mail

Interactive Communications

Chat software: MUDS, MOOs, graphic and 3-D environments, collaborative computing