Guidelines for the planning and purchase of microcomputer systems are presented in outline form. These guidelines are directed to educators in developmental education, special education, and learning center environments; however, they are applicable to all educators intending to use microcomputers. First, a discussion of hardware considerations is…

Designed to provide educators with guidance for the lawful reproduction of computer software, this document contains suggested guidelines, sample forms, and several short articles concerning software copyright and license agreements. The initial policy statement calls for educators to provide software developers (or their agents) with a…

There is a large variety of public domain software, which is free for anyone to copy and use with their personal computer, including educational programs for disabled persons. Examples of public domain software are listed along with guidelines for obtaining programs, including the addresses of several computer users' groups. (CB)

Enumerates "hardware problems" associated with use of the IBM personal computer as an online search machine: purchase of machinery, unpacking of parts, and assembly into a properly functioning computer. Components that allow transformations of computer into a search machine (combination boards, printer, modem) and diagnostics software…

Reviews two software products--INSTANTCOM and PC WRITE--that work well in tandem and possess the following capabilities: make logon easy and memory-independent; allow prewritten search statements to be uploaded; allow downloading of results; permit easy editing and other data management options. Examples done on the IBM PC/AT are provided. (EJS)

Presents methods for preparing technical documents on microcomputers by modifying WordStar and using inexpensive software to create scientific symbols and other characters needed. Procedures are described for use with a Zenith A-100 microcomputer and an Epson FX dot matrix printer, and may be adapted for other configurations. (LRW)

Presents minimal, adequate, and high-end performance budgets for purchasing the software and Apple hardware required to initiate desktop publishing for a campus newspaper. (AYC)

Discusses the various forms of computer viruses and the threat they pose to online databases. Available protection programs are described, and a list of online sources of protection programs and news is provided. (14 references) (CLB)

Demonstrates how three commercial microcomputer software packages--PC-Talk III, Wordstar, and dBase III--were combined to produce an integrated library system at the U.S. Army Concepts Analysis Agency library. The retrospective conversion process is discussed, and the four modules of the system are described: acquisitions/cataloging; online…

Reports findings of a survey of 10 general access collections of microcomputer hardware and software located in university libraries. Hardware, software, staffing, and software evaluation collections are discussed, and miscellaneous comments and tips from respondents are included. Seven appendices list data. (MES)

Computer-aided design (CAD) has been around for a number of years. An overview is provided of a number of major computer-aided design programs. A short analysis of each program includes the addresses of the software producers. (MLF)

This description of an electronic bulletin board used by the Wisconsin Interlibrary Services network to process requests covers hardware, software, costs, advantages of the system, operation, training, maintenance, and problems encountered. (MES)

Library user guides from seven large academic libraries were examined for readability using microcomputer software for analysis. Results indicated that most guides are written at or above a reading level of grade 12. Appendices summarize readability formulas and depict in a composite graph the levels of all of the guides examined. (16 references)…

The first of two articles presents basic selection criteria for desktop publishing software packages, including discussion of expectations, required equipment, training costs, publication size, desired software features, additional equipment needed, and quality control. The second provides a brief description of desktop publishing using the Apple…

This article discusses the hardware and software components of three workstations suitable for evaluation researchers, one for those on a limited budget, one for professional researchers, and one for a research team or department. Prices range from $3,000 to $30,000. A wide variety of workstation possibilities is illustrated. (Author/BS)