Compares the differences in coverage and utility of three substructure databases--Chemical Abstracts, Index Chemicus, and Chemical Information System's Nomenclature Search System. The differences between Chemical Abstracts with two different vendors--STN International and Questel--are described and a summary guide for choosing between databases is…

The authors list online databases that business educators can use to update and improve their courses. The need for using these resources, along with such information as applications and cost, is presented. (CH)

This discussion of the use of optical scanning and computer formatting for retrospective conversion focuses on a series of applications known as Optical Scanning for Creation of Information Databases (OSCID). Prior research in this area and the usefulness of OSCID for creating low-priced machine-readable data representing older materials are…

Describes the development of a database on medieval manuscripts. Includes information on the design of an architecture for the database and problems encountered in its construction and use. (JDH)

Students can use the computer to store and compare data on their television viewing habits. Suggestions are offered for developing a database where students can research, graph, and analyze the subject of their choice. (DF)

Outlines two case histories of schools districts that have used microcomputers in the planning and management of pupil transportation systems. Using microcomputers in transportation planning is new and most effective in smaller, rural districts. (MD)

The last installment in a three part series compares commands and features for accessing and manipulating the results obtained from the DIALOG and QUESTEL information systems. Highlights include enhancements to syntax and defaults, options for output arrangement and retrieval, reformatting of selected data, memory, unique features, and examples.…

A printout is presented from a database that contains information about microcomputer software which supports instruction in college mathematics. The listing is arranged alphabetically by course; source and price are indicated, with a list of publishers included. (MNS)

Presents seven computer-oriented activities. Although some of the activities assume a certain level of computer expertise, all of them can be easily adapted for students in any grade. Activity topics include electronic geoboard, codes/coding, probing problems, looping, metrics, Logo databases, and writing Cinquain poetry. Program listings are…

The oldest high school for boys in California (Bellarmine) was chosen by International Business Machines (IBM) to participate in its model school program. Describes experiences in installing a local area network linking 32 IBM PCjr microcomputers and provides details of software applications used to teach students to use the computers. (JN)

The benefits of prototyping as a basis for system design include better specifications, earlier discovery of omissions and extensions, and the likelihood of salvaging much of the effort expended on the prototype. Risks and methods of prototyping during rapid systems development are also noted. (Author/MLW)

This in-depth look at database management systems (DBMS) for microcomputers covers data entry, information retrieval, security, DBMS software and design, and downloading of literature search results. The advantages of in-house systems versus online search vendors are discussed, and specifications of three software packages and 14 sources are…

Profiles the SPORT database, produced by Sport Information Resource Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, which provides extensive coverage of individual sports including practice, training and equipment, recreation, sports medicine, physical education, sport facilities, and international sport history. Olympic coverage in SPORT, sports sciences, online…

Discusses the general characteristics of database management systems and file systems. Also gives a basic framework for evaluating such software and suggests characteristics that should be considered when buying software for specific scientific applications. A list of vendor addresses for popular database management systems is included. (JN)

Issues in determining how to develop a data communications system at colleges and universities are discussed including; technical requirements; cost; implications for coordination and (de)centralization of hardware/software; deciding when to create a data network; data security, information integrity, and organizational development. (Author/MLW)