Computer security is one of the most complicated and challenging fields in technology today. A security metrics program provides a major benefit: looking at the metrics on a regular basis offers early clues to changes in attack patterns or environmental factors that may require changes in security strategy. The term "security metrics"…

This article describes how centralized presentation control systems enable IT support staff to monitor equipment and assist end users more efficiently. At Temple University, 70 percent of the classrooms are equipped with an AMX touch panel, linked via a Netlink controller to an in-classroom computer, projector, DVD/VCR player, and speakers. The…

This article deals with federal E-rate program's support of school leaders' Blackberry habit. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has cleared the way to allow money from the $2.25 billion program of subsidies for school technology to apply to e-mail service for mobile, wireless devices, such as the BlackBerry, which are increasingly…

Discusses security problems and solutions for networked organizations with Internet connections. Topics include access to private networks from electronic mail information; computer viruses; computer software; corporate espionage; firewalls, that is computers that stand between a local network and the Internet; passwords; and physical security.…

Describes a variety of Internet threats to computers and networks used in schools. Discusses electronic trashing; clearing hard drives; cyber spying on Web sites visited; protection against cyber spying, including disposable email accounts; password sniffers; privacy policies; email snooping; email attachments that carry viruses; and hoaxes. (LRW)

Blended e-learning approaches combine the power of the Internet with existing class events or assignments. Inexpensive tools include electronic mail, keyboarding instruction, online research, streamed video or audio clips, message boards, chat rooms, scanned class reading assignments, and online assessments. IT buzzwords are decoded. (MLH)

Discusses intranets--the deployment and use of Internet technologies such as the World Wide Web, electronic mail, and Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) on a closed network. Considers the "hype," benefits, standards, implementation, and problems of intranets, and concludes that while intranets can be beneficial,…

Describes and defines the Internet from a classroom perspective as a place to talk, a place to get organized information, and as a place to organize and put information. Two World Wide Web projects in Syracuse, New York, that support school curricula are described in a sidebar. (JKP)

Explains packet radio as a form of telecomputing in which digital data is transported via radio waves instead of telephone lines or other cabling, and describes how it can be used by students to access the Internet. Highlights include packet bulletin board systems and equipment needed for a packet radio station. (LRW)

This special section presents two articles relating to accessing online systems. The first article discusses power availability for portable computers, including batteries and electrical outlets; the second describes two bulletin board systems that provide information about the Internet and its resources for librarians and patrons. (LRW)

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 43-minute videotape is part of the on-going Internet education series exploring the fascinating resources of the Internet. It was produced directly for those in society that did not have computers growing up. One exceptional point of the video is its simple approach. It demonstrates World Wide Web, e-mail and other Internet applications.…

This article describes FLTEACH, the Foreign Language Teaching Forum on the Listserv computer Internet service running from the computer at State University of New York at Buffalo. FLTEACH is a forum for communication for foreign language teachers at the elementary, secondary, and tertiary levels. Initially started for New York teachers, it has…

Illustrates how users can take full advantage of the Internet to communicate and to network. Discusses electronic mailing, listservs and Usenet groups; referring cold connections to a Web page; and designing Web pages for maximum information retrieval by search engines. (AEF)

The benefits to camps of connecting to the Internet include reaching a new market, providing interactive opportunities for campers, providing up-to-date information for parents, having an up-to-date brochure available, easily taking care of billing and other camp business, recruiting staff members, and participating in discussions with other camp…