This article briefly describes the topics "beta coefficient"--a measurement of the price volatility of a company's stock in relationship to the overall stock market--and "market share"--an average measurement for the overall stock market based on a specified group of stocks. It then selectively recommends a database (file) on…

Provides a generalized overview of the problems that software buyers are likely to encounter and could overcome. Experiences of Online, Inc., in purchasing programs, using software documentation or manuals, and problems with software, provide examples. (EJS)

This manual on microcomputer-based database management programs provides a description of the key characteristics of database software as well as guidelines for designing a database, uses of database programs, and selecting the right software. Three sets of concepts related to database management are listed and explained: creating a database,…

The optimum use of the microcomputer can emerge when it competes both in cost effectiveness and actual qualitative performance with all other educational media available. Mainframe computers, available in most school districts, can share data with microcomputers via terminals in schools and classrooms and allow microcomputers to operate most…

This paper describes one academic's experiences in utilizing a database management system, dBase II, with an Apple IIe microcomputer for record keeping and reporting. Initial problems created by processing data by hand or by a central computer system are described, and the selection process for a microcomputer purchase and software package (dBase…

Describes method of generating Electronic Yellow Pages mailing labels using DIALOG commands which involve downloading to disk and interposing a BASIC language program between disk and printer. Downloading problems (accession numbers, "tic" which DIALOG provides, line noise), two versions of program (full, compressed), and output examples…

This document contains a compilation of overhead projection sheets from an International Labour Office (ILO) Training Course in Micro-ISIS held in March 1988, augmented by explanatory text and applications to a wide variety of databases. It is designed both to provide a visual, didactic approach to Micro-ISIS, and to constitute a quick-reference…

Discusses databases and database management systems and explains how they can be used to organize and provide access to information. Highlights include relational models, database design considerations (particularly normalization), query languages used in programming, screen displays, data integrity and security, and effects of the organizational…

Outlines the important factors to be considered in selecting a database management system for use with a microcomputer and presents a series of guidelines for developing a database. General procedures, report generation, data manipulation, information storage, word processing, data entry, database indexes, and relational databases are among the…

Reports on the design and use of a computer system designed to assist online database searchers in determining the relevance of downloaded abstracts. The system, which runs on a personal computer, includes aids for individual review of abstracts and semiautomatic determination of relevance; prospects for fully automatic use are discussed. (CDD)

Key tailors, desk organizers; text-oriented database programs, outlining programs, thesauruses, spelling checkers, and punctuation and style checkers are described. The functions these programs perform will probably become more common as application programs absorb the functions into their own operation. (Author/MLW)

This guide discusses four types of microcomputer-based communication programs that could prove useful to evaluators: (1) the direct communication of information generated by one computer to another computer; (2) using the microcomputer as a terminal to a mainframe computer to input, direct the analysis of, and/or output data using a statistical…

This article discusses how to use technology to collect, store, sort, and reformat assessment data on the school improvement process, explaining the use of desktop computers with databases and the use of portable devices in the assessment process. (SM)

The potential uses of microcomputers in evaluation research are discussed in this pamphlet. At the beginning, a matrix is provided showing the relationship between the steps in the evaluation research process and common types of computer software. Thereafter, the guide is organized sequentially around the evaluation research activities that are…

Publications managers can control production costs, schedule jobs, and maintain correspondence, records, and inventory in more detail and in less time by using microcomputers. Four steps to set up a system are identified: define data, standardize data, create datafile, and maintain datafile. (MLW)