Penn State University is cutting its bandwidth.

Some students are furious about the change, and they may have valid reasons for their anger. But they should also take this opportunity to start thinking about the ways they use the Internet in the dorms. Maybe it's time they recognize they're not the only ones using the Internet around the university.

The ability to download programs and music off the Internet is one most students cherish and do without thinking about the consequences.

Last year the university warned students that something would have to be done if students kept uploading and downloading such huge files on their personal computers while using the university Internet system.

Something has been done and nobody seems to understand why.

The university supplies its students with Internet access for educational purposes, not for the purpose of getting free music or programs. But it's not being used for a solely educational purpose but rather personal uses.

On the other hand, the university has to realize that technology is expanding. With this expansion come more Internet-based tasks assigned to students for their classes.

The bandwidth should not be cut so dramatically that it will be hard for students to get their work done for their classes or to access the Internet on a regular basis.

Students need to use the Internet because the university and the world in general have made the World Wide Web a necessity in today's society. It is especially valuable to students when professors use it as a primary tool in the education process.

Now, and as more careers rely on the Internet for information and resources, students will be using it more than ever.

A cut bandwidth will make it more difficult to get on to the Internet and even more difficult to download the necessary documents and programs needed to fulfill a now technology-based university system.