Information systems are becoming more than computer systems, with new equipment and techniques combining with data processing to form a new field called information technology. The emerging discipline of systems engineering is discussed along with nine systems engineering techniques. An organization chart of an information services department is…

Explains the cause of the Year 2000 (Y2K) problem for computers, how it manifests itself, and what can be done to fix it. Attention is given to both microcomputers and more powerful machines. (MSE)

Supplying data from mainframe computers to microcomputers is tedious because IBM mainframe computers use Extended Binary-Coded Decimal Interchange Code (EBCDIC) to represent data and microcomputers use an American National Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) code set. (MLF)

Arguing that complete, reliable, up-to-date system documentation is critical for every data processing environment, this paper on computer disaster recovery planning begins by discussing the importance of such documentation both for recovering from a systems crash, and for system maintenance and enhancement. The various components of system…

School districts should have a plan to reduce potential losses in the event of a data processing disaster. Describes the plan devised for the Fairfax County (Virginia) school system. (MLF)

The use of modern technology in education has reached a turning point. Equipment found in schools is increasing, and computer-assisted instruction has been shown to achieve positive results. Learning to use computer utilities and databases should be given high priority. (MD)

Outlines the basic uses of computer systems and software programs by school administrators. Describes the different hardware and software needed to accomplish complex school administration. (MD)

A wide range of computer crimes and the need for computer security are discussed. (MK)

The paper sets the stage for the effective and efficient use of computers in institutional research. The microcomputer and the mainframe computer are contrasted for those researchers who have a choice of where to process data. General computer use, specific microcomputer and mainframe computing guidelines, and an application utilizing both…

Alternatives to the normal detail bid specifications usually required for public institutions of higher education to purchase computer software are examined. It is suggested that the request for proposal method described offers the consumer a better understanding of individual software vendors' products. (Author/SF)

On the basis of a survey of U.S. undergraduate business schools and industry, a study defined the curricular content (knowledge and skills) in electronic data processing (EDP) and statistical sampling (SS) needed to prepare the accounting study to audit computerized accounting systems. (CT)

This book is designed to introduce educators to basic computing concepts, acquaint them with specific educational applications, and bridge the gap between technology in educational practice by interesting them in educational computing. A brief introduction and review of historical perspectives are followed by a description of computer applications…

Instructions for using the computerized Canadian University Student Information System created by Statistics Canada are presented in this manual. The data base includes information on all students registered in Canadian universities, affiliates, and degree-granting colleges. A complete list of all available data elements and column headings that…

Several ways for a comptuer services director to effectively manage the resources available for such services are discussed. Case histories from Miami-Dade Community College and other South Florida schools are included. (SF)

Administrators in an Alabama school district found that purchasing their own data processing equipment was a better buy than the public consortium they had been using to supply data processing needs. The system, its uses, and advantages are described. (MLF)