Over the holiday's the school's computer network was installed. There are now 16 multimedia computers on the network including 10 PCs and 6 Macintoshes. One PC is installed in each class (K-5) and one Macintosh is installed in each of the higher grades (2-5). There are two additional PCs for students use in the library as well as a PC reserved for the library Circulation and Checkout functions. The file server is also stored in the library. There are 2 additional Macintoshes in the front office and in the staff room. Wiring for 32 ethernet ports has been installed and a 16 port ethernet hub presently connects half of these ports. The PCs are Pentium 100's with 16Mb RAM, 1GB harddrives, CDRoms, and speakers. The file server is a Pentium 166 with 64Mb RAM, and a 4GB harddrive. The Macintoshes have 68040 processors, 8Mb RAM, 400Mb harddrives, and CDRoms.

The primary network protocol being used is TCP/IP which will facilitate internet access. The Macintoshes also use the Appletalk protocol to communicate. To date, the following software has been installed:

• Internet compatible post office (POP)
• Web Server (IIS)
• Library System
• Domain Host Control Program (DHCP) which assigns IP addresses
• Remote Access Server (PPP)
• File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
• Front Page web publishing software
• Netscape Navigator web browser and email
• Windows NT Server 4.0
• Windows 95 (PCs)
• System 7.1 (Macintoshes)

This software will allow each student to have their own home directory on the server, an email account, the ability to publish content to the Web server, access to the library system, as well as accessing the various online resources (Encyclopedia, Dictionary, Educational, etc) which the school owns. The network has been designed so that this functionality is available from both PCs and Macintoshes from anywhere in the school.

We are presently in the process of adding a dial-in line for administrative purposes as well as to provide limited file transfer and email capability to students and parents. The longer term goal is to get a permanent internet connection which is targeted to be in place for the next school year in September. The library software which is presently single user is also being upgraded to the multi-user version. The major outstanding issue is to identify and install the educational and office software to be used at the school. This is being discussed by staff and members of the computer committee.

Bill Maurer

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