Explains the basic hardware, software, and media options for changing from a CD-ROM user to a CD-ROM publisher. Highlights include system configurations; computer recommendations; transfer media, including tapes, discs, and optical media; backup software and formatting/simulation software; costs; and publishing systems. (LRW)

Offers tips for choosing an automated library system. Topics include dealing with vendors; talking to other librarians; visiting a similar library with the same system; print sources for system information; demonstration disks; salespeople; costs; and learning about automation company competitors. (LRW)

Open systems are computer systems designed to meet vendor-neutral international standards. Significant characteristics of open systems are portability (software will run on dozens of hardware programs) and interoperability (computers of different brands can be connected and share resources). Discusses options available to switch to an open system.…

Discusses the efforts of the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) to implement a statewide standardized electronic information processing system, the Institutional Information Processing System. Describes the steps taken by the NCCCS to decide on the appropriate platform, hardware and software vendors, and implementation timetable. (MAB)

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…

Describes the development of an online learning environment for a visually impaired professional. Topics include physical barriers, intellectual barriers, psychological barriers, and technological barriers; selecting appropriate hardware and software; and combining technologies that include personal computers, Web-based resources, network…

A group of 20 students in a self-contained kindergarten classroom was selected to receive enrichment using computer software. Of those 20, 10 were randomly selected to use "Bailey's Book House" on a Macintosh computer. "Bailey's Book House" and the Macintosh computer were considered to be the newer models. The other 10 students used "First Letter…

Discusses three phases in implementing a master plan for a school-based local area network (LAN): (1) network software selection; (2) hardware selection, network topology, and site preparation; and (3) implementation time table. Sample planning and specification worksheets and a list of planning guides are included. (Contains six references.) (KRN)

Speech recognition technology helps people with disabilities interact with computers more easily. People with motor limitations, who cannot use a standard keyboard and mouse, can use their voices to navigate the computer and create documents. The technology is also useful to people with learning disabilities who experience difficulty with spelling…

Advancement offices in higher education can ensure that they will get the most value from their computer purchases by becoming educated about issues and options, developing a plan and standards, tracking the technology, ignoring brand names, requesting discounts, considering used equipment and prepared software, consulting, using available…

Offers basic information for childcare directors on purchasing computer hardware and software for the center. Covers reasons for having computers, downsides to computers, the kind of computer to buy, minimum requirements for Windows-based computers and Macintosh computers, and other accessories. Presents brief descriptions of 9 software packages…

Describes how a public library consortium jettisoned the Request for Proposal (RFP) process and used library staff, with some assistance from consultants, to evaluate new automation systems based on software demonstrations and Requests for Quotations (RFQ). The RFQ and RFP processes are compared. A sidebar article describes the financing plan.…

A survey of America's 244 largest school districts, with responses from 215, showed that 28 percent are actively procuring at least 1 of 3 major administrative information systems: financial, human resources, or student information. Describes the installation and use of a new information infrastructure in a Maryland school district. (MLF)

This paper describes the planning and implementation of a school-wide home page at California Lutheran University (CLU) (Thousand Oaks, California). A working team created a balanced web site which represents all areas of the CLU community. The Internet Task Force implemented general computing policies, standardized University home page design,…

This book provides a total "how-to" approach for the use of technology, including information on the types of systems, hardware, and software available. It offers guidelines for determining how to match specific systems and needs, as well as strategies for implementing technology and Total Quality Education (TQE) to improve teaching. It…