Defines terminology relevant to microcomputers. (RAO)

Provides tips for interpreting each column in the chart, which lists the features, intended uses, typical system prices, storage capacities, operating systems, programing languages available, interface devices, and manufacturer's or distributor's addresses for home and business microcomputer systems priced under $6,000. (JL)

Discusses the characteristics, limitations, uses, and programing features of the Radio Shack Model 100, one of the first truly portable personal computers, and describes how it differs from a "transportable" computer in weight, size, and features. (MBR)

Offers examples of innovative approaches to teaching the new microcomputer vocabulary. (Available from: Modern Learning Publishers, Inc., 6517 Liggett, Oakland, CA 94611, $14.) (AEA)

Focusing on the 5-1/4" floppy disk commonly used with microcomputers, this guide to magnetic disks gives a description of their physical appearance and how they function as information storage devices and provides suggestions for their care and maintenance. A glossary of disk-related terms is included. (EAO)

Identifies essential database management terminology and groups the various types of database management programs into three basic categories for discussion of basic features, typical applications, and costs. A table of the leading programs available in each category includes the manufacturer's name and address, hardware requirements, and price…

Presents an overview of the FORTH programing language's functions, compares it to BASIC, demonstrates how it can be tailored to specific applications, and describes in detail the VIC FORTH dialect designed specifically for the Commodore VIC-20 microcomputer. Representative FORTH words and a VIC FORTH dictionary are included. (MBR)

Explores incompatible operating systems as the basic reason why software packages will not work on different microcomputers; defines operating system; explores compatibility issues surrounding the IBM MS-DOS; and presents two future trends in hardware and software developments which indicate a return to true compatibility. (Author/MBR)

Discusses the state of computer use in classrooms and cites several problems. The consideration of computers as "toys," elitist attitudes, administrator/teacher/parent demands, computer manufacture pressure, and lack of a clear definition of computer literacy are addressed. Suggestions for improvement are included. (DH)

Written in simple language and designed in a large-print format, this short guide is aimed at teaching home economics teachers to use computers in their classrooms. The guide is organized in six sections. The first section covers the basics of computer equipment and explains how computers work while the second section outlines how to use…

Describes floppy-disk and hard-disk based networks, electronic systems linking microcomputers together for the purpose of sharing peripheral devices, and presents points to remember when shopping for a network. (MBR)

Defines electronic bulletin boards; describes how to access information from them, several bulletin boards, and the kinds of information they provide; and lists sources for more information on electronic bulletin boards. (MBR)

Argues that the telecommunications field has specific computer applications; therefore courses on how to use computer programs for audience analysis, station accounting, newswriting, etc., should be included in the telecommunications curriculum. (PD)

Introduces the basic terminology and capabilities of computers, describes software for children, provides guidelines for choosing hardware, briefly characterizes computer languages, and discusses the use of computers in early childhood education. (RH)

There is no one universal definition of the term "computer literacy," which, in fact, is used so generally that people often preface references to microcomputers in education with their own definitions of computer literacy. The term is organized semantically in a variety of ways, and central to this semantic organization is a problem of…