This buyer's guide to seven major types of statistics software packages for microcomputers reviews Edu-Ware Statistics 3.0; Financial Planning; Speed Stat; Statistics with DAISY; Human Systems Dynamics package of Stats Plus, ANOVA II, and REGRESS II; Maxistat; and Moore-Barnes' MBC Test Construction and MBC Correlation. (MBR)

Outlines the major questions which should be considered by an individual purchasing commercially packaged software for use on a personal computer. (JL)

Presented in nontechnical language, this guide suggests criteria for the selection of three computer hardware essentials--a microcomputer, a monitor, and a printer. Factors to be considered in selecting the microcomputer are identified and discussed, including what the computer is to be used for, dealer support, software availability, modem…

Designed to answer basic questions educators have about microcomputer hardware and software and their applications in teaching, this paper describes the revolution in computer technology that has resulted from the development of the microchip processor and provides information on the major computer components; i.e.; input, central processing unit,…

Description of portable microcomputers discusses design features of Tandy TRS-80, Nippon Electric Company PC-8200, Epson HX-20, Texas Instruments TI CC 40, and Convergent Technologies' Workslate and provides several caveats and recommendations to those making purchasing decisions. Potential uses for portable microcomputers in education are also…

Originally part of a symposium on educational media for the deaf, the paper presents guidelines for selection of a microcomputer for school use. Procedures for developing microcomputer specifications are outlined and a list of 15 capabilities or options to consider, such as memory size, number of lines per display, and choice of printer, is…

The first section discusses two common styles of microcomputer consulting, when each is appropriate in libraries, and the dangers of using one type. The second section focuses on types of vaporware, the effects of each, and steps to minimize potential damage. A bibliography of this quarter's literature watch on microcomputer hardware and software…

This guide describes the various hardware and software components needed for computer-to-computer communications in nontechnical language and provides guidelines for selecting an appropriate communications package for a microcomputer. Hardware components discussed include both internal and external modems and the advantages and disadvantages of…

Examines the problems in selecting a microcomputer and offers some suggestions on equipment and on procedures to follow in making a decision. (IRT)

This document reports on efforts to find technology-based solutions for the diverse challenges faced by students with disabling conditions. Twenty-three case studies describe actual scenarios experienced in the school district of Palm Beach County, Florida. For each case study, a situation is described, a challenge is identified, solutions are…

Describes seven software programs for day care center management including price, technical support, months on the market, customizing capabilities, and informative notes. Gives four suggestions for matching software to day care center, with a list of shopping questions to ask. (BB)

This article, the third in a series, provides a list of criteria to be used in evaluating administrative software. Some general guidelines are provided, followed by 30 questions that should be asked concerning documentation, input, processing, output, and other areas. (DCS)

Presented is a personal computer computer-analysis system to help the consumer decide which microcomputer best suits his needs. (KC)

The decision-making approach outlined involves defining a vector of computer characteristics, which are modified by importance factors and by assessments of the extent to which each computer realizes each of the characteristics. A single number that may be regarded as a "figure of merit" results. (Author/IRT)

When preschool children were given a choice of activities, they spent significantly more time working with puzzles/brissle blocks than they did working at a computer. Sex and age differences were not statistically significant. Wide individual differences in the "holding power" of both the computer and puzzles/brissle blocks were found.…