The Internet
The Internet and the use of email as a primary form of communication has not been embraced to a large degree in Italy. Email is mostly used for business, or to communicate with friends who have gone abroad. However, most families have at least one computer so that children in school have Internet access for research purposes. As well, each department in the university generally has a computer lab with a maximum of 50 computers; however, the times of availability are restricted and mostly during the day. Public libraries also have some computers available, but in general, it is difficult to find computers accessible late at night when many students want to work.
In cities it is possible to find computer cafes or computer rooms where Internet access is available at an hourly rate. Although small towns may have no official computer café, one can usually locate a computer internet station available for public use at a local bar.