272. The Internet was conceived in the 1960s as a tool to link university and government research centers via a nationwide network that would allow a wide variety of computers to exchange information and share resources.

互联网在20世纪60年代被构想为通过全国网络来连接大学和政府研究中心的工具，全国性网络使得大量不同的电脑得以交换信息并共享资源。

本句的主干是Internet was conceived。in the 1960s为时间状语；as a tool...和via...皆为方式状语；that引导的是nationwide network的定语从句。conceive的意思是“构想，设想”。

via的意思是“经由，凭借”，常用于引导某种途径或方式。如：

I flew home via Hong Kong. 我是乘飞机途经香港回来的。

Those programmes came to us via satellite. 那些节目是通过卫星传送到我们这里来的。

allow sb./sth. to do sth.的意思是“允许某人（某物）做某事”。如：

Students are not allowed to speak loud in the library. 图书馆内，学生不许大声讲话。

conceive是四级考试中的核心词之一，用法如下：

表示“想出，构想，想象”，常与as或of搭配。如：

This building is conceived as a center for swimming. 该建筑被设想用来作游泳中心。

I can't conceive of your quitting your job. 我想不通你怎么会辞职。

表示“怀孕”。如：

This kind of medicine can assist couples to conceive. 这种药物能够帮助夫妻怀上孩子。