Describes Ovation, an integrated software system with a common command environment of 26 English words which provides access to all of the system's capabilities and handles spreadsheet analysis, information management, word processing, graphics, and communications in the same workspace. Capabilities of Ovation's applications and features…

Defines electronic bulletin boards; describes how to access information from them, several bulletin boards, and the kinds of information they provide; and lists sources for more information on electronic bulletin boards. (MBR)

Describes features of five new software programs--Songwriter, Musical Ideas, Musicalc I, Musical Construction Set, Musicland, and Music Designer II--which facilitate musical composition and musical creativity in a variety of ways. Shortcomings are briefly discussed, and sources for further information are given. (MBR)

Discusses tax preparation and planning programs for microcomputers, including how programs save time and money, how they may or may not perform calculations accurately, how they compare to services offered by professional tax preparers, and the deduction of software costs. Ten tax programs are listed and described. (MBR)

Reviews services available through home banking via a personal computer, and discusses cash management, whether these services are worthwhile, and if they'll be successful. Two home banking services--Chemical Bank's Pronto and Bank of America's Homebanking--are described. (MBR)

Describes set-up, user characteristics, goals, and successes of neighborhood computer centers where informal microcomputer instruction is presented. Centers described include East Harlem's Playing to Win; Center for the Development of Non-Formal Education in Austin, Texas; a learning center in New York City's business district; and Family…

Outlines basic choices available in on-screen windowing systems which create separate areas or boxes on microcomputer display screens to simplify control of traditional computer applications. Systems described include Visicorp's Visi On, Microsoft Windows, Digital Research's Concurrent DOS, Quarterdeck's DesQ, Structured Systems' Window Master,…

Discussion of science education in general and the possible role of microcomputers is followed by an evaluation of four software packages for seventh grade through college level. These packages are in the areas of genetics, prelab studies for chemistry, a science education game, and experiments in human physiology. (MBR)

Outlines the development of Plato, a unified computer system linking terminals to a central educational network; critically reviews Plato's new Homelink system which provides access to 273 games and lessons; and discusses its present capabilities and possible future improvements to make Homelink attractive to home users interested in educational…