The Utilization of Internet Service in Jimma University and the Potential of Expanding the Service in the Main Campus

A study has been conducted in Jimma University main campus to assess the availability of the Internet access and utilization of the service in different faculties of Jimma University students and staff members. Beginning from Feb. 1997 the university get the internet account from telecommunication corporation to facilitate some research works and other administrative as well as academic tasks of the university. Internet is the world's largest computer network, through Intemet we can get a hall of information, about people, product, organization, research data, printed media, email service and others. All of those are made easily available to users of Intemet by using programs (a series of instructions for computer). This study identify the type of application that the students and staff members mostly use Internet service, the extent of knowledge about this technology in the students & staff members. The attitude and perception of the respondents on Internet and its contribution to academic performance is also determined. the total number of units and interconnections on this Internet service with the average number of users in each unit is described in detail the major problems faced during the last five years and the respondents suggestions and the researchers persona! recommendations are included at the end of the study.