Beginning on the cover, this article suggests school administrators can reduce paperwork burdens by using personal computers along with general software programs. Describes general programs--such as word processing, item bank, electronic worksheet, and database management programs--and discusses their applications and gives tips for buying and…

Six school administrators and computer users give advice on coping with microcomputer software problems. Suggestions include contacting other software users, sampling computer programs or watching software demonstrations before buying, and ensuring adequate program documentation. (RW)

Describes uses of the microcomputer by Instant Information, Inc., highlighting administrative tasks (accounting, correspondence, file maintenance) and microcomputer's ability to act as dumb terminal in information retrieval. Software selection, the company's computer program "Instantcom" which supports communication and retrieval, and…

Documentation of author's personal experience in the purchasing of a microcomputer discusses background learning, the purchase decision, needs assessment, computer literacy, general information on microcomputers, the situation assessment, and the final check. (EJS)

Review of text processing software for microcomputers covers data entry, text editing, document formatting, and spelling and proofreading programs including "Wordstar,""PeachText,""PerfectWriter,""Select," and "The Word Plus.""The Whole Earth Software Catalog" and a new terminal to be…

This discussion of microcomputer selection for schools presents three hypothetical plans--ranging from $500 to $15,000--for establishing an educational computing program and examines the best way to budget the money. Purchasing information on a variety of microcomputers is included. (JJD)

Examination of the emergence of microcomputer word processing in the library environment highlights library applications, hardware considerations, evaluations of four word processing programs (Apple Writer II, Screen Writer II, Magic Wand, WordStar), and "nonperformance" factors that influence selection of word processing package. Ten…

In order to process data in a computer, application software must be either developed or purchased. Costs for modifications of the software package and maintenance are often hidden. The decision to buy or develop software packages should be based upon factors of time and maintenance. (MLF)

Description of a microcomputer-based system for local processing of interlibrary loan (ILL) requests developed at Environmental Protection Agency library discusses database management systems, hardware, databases, and command files. Subsequent changes resulting from system's implementation at East Carolina University Health Sciences Library are…

Explains how a microcomputer scheduling program works and discusses specific features that should be considered in selecting a program. A chart detailing capabilities of 17 scheduling programs is included. (MBR)

Twelve publications already in the ERIC system that deal with microcomputers were selected for annotation. Two of the publications are conference proceedings that explore the use of computers. Another two are administrator handbooks dealing with the acquisition and the use of computers. Reference works cited include a guide for instructional…

School districts of all sizes can begin to use computers in their schools by outlining objectives, securing community support, planning for one microcomputer for every 20 students, and evaluating computers and software. (MLF)

Examines two kinds of microcomputer software designed for school administrators--student/class scheduling and attendance reporting. A product information chart on 16 software programs is included. (JJD)

School districts can integrate computers into the curriculum by accounting for the following variables in their planning: (1) revision of district learner goals, (2) adjustments in instructional priorities, (3) selection of hardware and software, (4) staff development needs, (5) expected technological advances, and (6) systematic review of the…

Offers suggestions about using microcomputers for school administration and lists hidden costs of computerization, including administrator time, consultants, machine maintenance, backup systems, appropriate furniture, insurance, and staff training. (JM)