Information technology (IT) professionals face markedly different kinds of challenges in developing countries from the ones in developed countries. Based on the research literature and our fourteen years of fieldwork in Iringa, Tanzania, we have identified eight groups of technical characteristics of IT work that significantly affect the work of…

Discusses topics related to systems for in-house CD-ROM development: functions, including data capture, data conversion, data editing, indexing, database construction, simulation/testing, and formatting; components, including hardware, the processor, peripherals, and selection considerations; software, including the operating system, system…

Examines major network structures and provides criteria for selecting the best layout. Describes daisy-chain, star, bus, tree, ring, and token ring topologies. Discusses factors to consider when connecting computers, including user needs, printing demands, modem and file sharing, user grouping, the physical plant, and connective equipment. (AEF)

Describes a low-cost, upgradeable, CD-ROM network and gives a step-by-step description of the installation process, including inventorying assets, learning about network components, selecting a network, installing adapter boards, attaching cabling, installing software, testing, configuring the server, installing search software, installing a menu,…

Discusses the process and demonstrates the utility of repackaging lantern slides (i.e., photographs printed on glass or film sandwiched between glass) as digital images. A prototype community memory interface for access to the images is described, and photographs of the visual index to stored images are included. (seven references) (KRN)

The Association Supporting Computer Users in Education (ASCUE) is a group of people interested in small college computing issues. It is a blend of people from all over the country who use computers in their teaching, academic support, and administrative support functions. ASCUE has a strong tradition of bringing its members together to pool their…

This pamphlet provides information on selection of a personal computer system for individuals with physical disabilities. It is directed toward adults or young adults who need to access such application programs as word processing, database management, and spreadsheets for higher education or vocational purposes. Following a brief description of…

Describes a proposed computer system with voice synthesis for reading Arabic and English textual information for the visually impaired that is an alternative to Braille. The conversion of textual alphabet character information to geometrical shape symbols is explained, and peripheral equipment--including scanners and special keyboards--is…

Describes guidelines for an online public access catalog (OPAC) workstation that will support the terminal, printer, and other peripherals. Workstation dimensions, lighting, wire management, printer and paper, acoustical treatment, seating, storage for books and coats, wastebasket, and interior decoration are addressed. Flexibility and simplicity…

Local area networks (LANs) are systems of computers and peripherals connected together for the purposes of electronic mail and the convenience of sharing information and expensive resources. In planning the design of such a system, the components to consider are hardware, software, transmission media, topology, operating systems, and protocols.…

Discusses some of the hardware and peripherals available to people with varied disabilities as an introduction to the things that Web designers and librarians will need to take into consideration when designing a site and selecting materials. Suggests guidelines for good design and tools for increased accessibility. (AEF)

Examines common CD-ROM networking architectures: via existing operating systems (OS), thin server towers, and dedicated servers. Discusses digital video disc (DVD) and non-CD/DVD optical storage solutions and presents case studies of networks that work. (PEN)

A survey of 15 developers of computerized real-time observation systems found many systems have incorporated laptop or handheld computers as well as bar-code scanners. Most systems used IBM-compatible software, and ranged from free to complete systems costing more than $1,500. Data analysis programs were included with most programs. (Author/CR)

Follows the development of hypertext which is the electronic movement of large amounts of text. Probes the use of the Macintosh HyperCard and its applications in education. Notes programs are stackable in the computer. Provides tool, resource, and stack directory along with tips for using HyperCard. (MVL)

Discusses changes that have made desktop publishing appealing and reasonably priced. Hardware, software, and printer options for getting started and moving on, typeface developments, and the key characteristics of desktop publishing are described. The author's notes on 33 articles from the personal computing literature from January-March 1994 are…