Engineers seeking to develop intelligent computers have looked to studies of the human brain in hope of imitating its processes. A theory (known as cooperative action) that the brain processes information with electromagnetic waves may inspire engineers to develop entirely new types of computers. (JN)

Claims a useful computer practice system should contain standardized tools for assessment, progress monitoring, and outcome evaluation and the capacity to accommodate tools and formats tailored to varying client, setting, and practitioner needs. Contends practitioners need to become informed and proactive partners in shaping the evolving course of…

Advances in factory computerization (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing) are reviewed, including discussions of robotics, human factors engineering, and the sociological impact of automation. (JN)

A computer operating system spans multiple layers of complexity, from commands entered at a keyboard to the details of electronic switching. In addition, the system is organized as a hierarchy of abstractions. Various parts of such a system and system dynamics (using the Unix operating system as an example) are described. (JN)

Provides selected examples to illustrate the impact of computers in science. Indicates that the most important single factor that has affected and will continue to affect the use of computers in science is the steady advance of technology, especially in the areas of logic and memory. (JN)

Highlights a National Academy of Engineering symposium ("The Long-Term Impact of Technology on Employment and Unemployment"). The symposium is the start of a study of radical effects of the computer revolution on jobs and on economic, social, and cultural systems. Includes comments from participants; several key questions discussed. (JN)

Reviews the nature of computer networks and previews their development by focusing on ways they are useful to scientists and to science, including applications for remote computer access, electronic mail, bulletin boards, teleconferencing, file transfer, resource sharing, and imbedding nontextual communications. (JN)

Surveys the technology of database software and hardware, describing some of the principal issues related to the user's view of data, sharing, concurrent access, security, and integrity. (JN)

Discusses interdependence of computers and microelectronics, importance of programing, offices of the future, communications for the 1980s, emerging information systems, and the inexpensive, fast, and reliable small devices such as memory chips. (JN)

The use of microelectronics and computers in medicine is reviewed, focusing on medical research; medical data collection, storage, retrieval, and manipulation; medical decision making; computed tomography; ultrasonic imaging; role in clinical laboratories; and use as adjuncts for diagnostic tests, monitors of critically-ill patients, and with the…

Discusses the evolution of the nationwide telecommunications network, including key technologies (transistors, communications satellites, and lasers), putting these technologies together, current and future services, and challenges for the future. (JN)

Describes UNIX time-sharing operating system, including the program environment, software development tools, flexibility and ease of change, portability and other advantages, and five applications and three nonapplications of the system. (JN)

Computer applications in scientific instrumentation are traced from early data processing to modern computer-based instruments. Probable pathways toward instruments with increased "intelligence" include, among others, implementation of hierarchical computer networks and microprocessor controllers and the simplification of programing. The…

Reviews selected facets of office automation, including office systems, the technical base, software, services, system growth, and effects on office personnel. (JN)

Surveys trends in hardware (logic, memory, storage) input-output technology, software, computer architecture and organization, communications, and artificial intelligence. (JN)