No disk shuffling, no ftp, no double downloading. With the network, the fact that I do not have a CD-ROM drive on my notebook does not even matter. I just put the CD in a drive on the server, share it and mount it on the client machine. Any client can access these CD's at any time. But it's not only disk space, CD-ROM's and to some extent tape sharing, also the printers are connected to the server.
Ribbons are way cheaper than ink cartridges.
The network I installed is saving me quite some bucks. Less diskspace, fewer tapes, no need for printer switchboxes and extra cables, fewer hassles with software installation and thus not so many cups of tea and simultaneous independent internet access from all clients using a single phone line and only one internet account. But it comes at a price. I constantly had to pause because my typing was much faster than what the computer could handle. However, for smaller things it is sufficient.