Reviews the McGraw-Hill Interactive Authoring System which allows authors to create computer-based courses with or without interactive video. Use of the program requires no programming skills and authors do not need to learn a special language. The system's operation, performance, ease of use, documentation, and management are considered. (JN)

Using LISREL, the only types of constraints allowed are fixing parameters at a constant value and constraining parameters to be equal. In this paper, two new concepts ("phantom" and "imaginary" latent variables) are introduced which allow fairly general equality and inequality constraints on factor loadings and structural model…

Discusses the issues of software piracy, why people illegally copy software, protection afforded software developers by copyright laws, and current and future methods of disk-based protection built into software by developers and the problems these methods have created. (MBR)

Presents current licensing practices of software for microcomputers and demonstrates inadequacies of these practices to situations where installations make use of multiple microcomputers using realistic scenarios. Suggestions for possible revisions to licensing agreements that might alleviate these inadequacies are provided. (MBR)

Growing computer software sales are forcing universities to rethink their "intellectual-property" policies, covering everything from copyrighted textbooks to patented inventions, to see where computer software fits in. Issues and factors considered in determining who owns and profits from software developed at a university are discussed. (JN)

Describes a systematic model for determining equipment replacement budgets that can be adopted and used in any media center. This model uses a microcomputer spreadsheet program to provide figures for annual equipment replacement automatically. The design and benefits of the system are discussed. (MBR)

Uses a prototype decision problem to demonstrate usefulness of an electronic spreadsheet in analyzing decision trees and performing other types of decision analysis. Advantages and disadvantages of implementing operations research/management science models on electronic spreadsheets are discussed and some do's and don't's are suggested. (Author)

Describes a collection of widely used software programs which can help teachers be more effective. Included are graphics programs, word processing, database managers, and gradebooks. Includes names and addresses of distributors. (JDH)

Lists names and addresses of companies producing software directories, software catalogs, and professional computing journals. Suggests four considerations in ordering software. (JDH)

Experiences at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in teaching with interactive spreadsheet computing are described. Advantages of using this software in engineering classes are noted. (JN)

Presents a list of favorable reviewed microcomputer software for K-12 student instruction. It is not a buying guide, but an aid in locating programs for review. Software are listed under such headings as computer awareness, advanced mathematics, algebra, arithmetic, problem-solving/logic, biology, astronomy, chemistry, environmental…

Discusses microcomputer applications in social work settings, including designing client records and process notes, establishing filing and recordkeeping systems, and performing qualitative and quantitative analysis of data stored on diskettes. Considers the applications of available, easy-to-use and reliable software packages. (Author/JAC)

Networks confined to one classroom or several classrooms in one building are called local networks. The nature and uses of these networks, software needed to run a network, software problems, and potential problems are discussed. Information on commercially available networks (including source, cost, hardware/software provided, features, and…

Describes three popular "shareware" computer programs: PC-Write (word processing program for IBM PC and compatibles); PC-File III (electronic file system); PC-Talk III (communications program). Shareware programs are marketed at minimum profit with maximum distribution and unlimited acceptance test; are protected by copyright; and…

This third article in a five-part series focuses on personal computer software (instructional packages for the computer itself). Topics covered include 11 categories of microcomputer software, evaluation and selection, purchase, version numbers and upgrades, copy protection, disk operating system commands, preparation of master disk, batch files,…