Directed to occupational therapists, the article focuses on the applications of microcomputers to services for developmentally disabled persons. Noted are computer devices (input, output, software, and firmware); computer programs (basic and sophisticated instruction, graphics); and LOGO, a computer language.

Three methods employed to price and sell computer equipment are discussed: computer pricing, hardware pricing, system pricing (system includes complete computer and support hardware system and relatively complete software package). Advantages of system pricing are detailed, the author's system is described, and 10 systems currently available are…

Describes PC-Outline, a computer program from Brown Bag Software. Reports that this outlining program is useful in organizing information into trees, hierarchies, outlines, or categories. (MM)

Discusses characteristics of two-dimensional (2-D) animation; highlights include character animation, painting issues, and motion graphics. Sidebars present Silicon Graphics animations tools and 2-D animation programs for the desktop computer. (DGM)

Discusses documenting object-oriented projects from the technical writer's perspective. Suggests that writers prepare themselves by becoming educated, getting comfortable with object-oriented concepts, understanding reuse, defining a development process with the rest of the project team, and defining document requirements using rapid prototyping.…

Considers the confusion of over 20 different kinds of graphics programs. Briefly distinguishes between some of the more popular graphics formats (Photoshop, TIFF, JPEG, GIF, PICT, and EPS), and describes the benefits and disadvantages of each in the context of journalism education. (SC)

Microcomputer software can provide excellent drill and practice, simulations, and problem-solving. Yet, software developers often have designed elaborate graphics and unique characters in lieu of sound instructional programming. Many instructional programs for learning-disabled students do not provide appropriate reading levels, the opportunity to…

Provides tips for helping the public understand a school district's budget. Describes necessary parts of a simplified budget presentation and the $100 budget. Highlights a management-information software package called In$ite, developed by Coopers & Lybrand in conjunction with the US Chamber of Commerce. (LMI)

Discusses issues that school librarians need to consider when updating and automating their libraries based on examples of experiences in several high schools. Topics addressed include planning; problems; needs assessment; software compatibility and selection; CD-ROMs; and training needs. (LRW)

Describes a project developed at the Northern Virginia office of Central Michigan University (CMU) to analyze reference questions received at an off-campus library services program for graduate students. The development and use of a software program--the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences SPSS/PC+ Studentware--is explained. (LRW)

Guides librarians in evaluating "filtering" software which schools may purchase for restricting access to potentially inappropriate Internet sites. This article discusses the workings of filtering programs and practical and ethical questions such as: how sites are restricted, who decides, and whether transactions are monitored.…

Israel's Software Evaluation Project sets national standards for hardware and software that is used in schools. All courseware must be approved for technical requirements and pedagogical content. After approval, the courseware is certified for use within Israel's school system for 2 years. Three times each year, schools, inspectorates, and…

There is a lot of educational software on the market, but little of it can be said to be revolutionary. Despite all the talk about education and computers, the educational software revolution has yet to begin. All educational software can be placed in categories of games (edutainment), simulations, reference software, and tutorials. Choosing…

With today's growth in the use of electronic information systems for e-mail, data development and research, and the relative ease of access to such resources, protecting one's data and correspondence has become a great concern. "Pretty Good Privacy" (PGP), an encryption program developed by Phil Zimmermann, may be the software tool that…

This inventory highlights similarities and differences between 19 computerized career information delivery systems (CIDS) so practitioners may make more informed choices concerning the adoption of such systems, and policymakers may monitor the developing scope of system features and costs. It was developed through a survey of computer products…