Examines design, features, and shortcomings of eight disk-based operating systems designed for general use that are popular or most likely to affect the future of microcomputing. Included are the CP/M family, MS-DOS, Apple DOS/ProDOS, Unix, Pick, the p-System, TRSDOS, and Macintosh/Lisa. (MBR)

Lists college board preparation programs available for Apple II microcomputers. Each entry includes title, source, subject area addressed, special features, and current cost. Programs help students prepare for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), American College Testing Program (ACT), Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT), and the Graduate…

Lists 43 current software review sources grouped by type, i.e., review journals and reports, educational computing periodicals, education periodicals, educational computing newsletters, and other information sources. Information on average number of reviews, average review length, review type, reviewer qualifications, and journal cost is provided…

From his frustrating personal experience with an Apple personal computer, Knowles formulates suggestions for the microcomputer industry on incorporating adult learning principles in software and documentation development. In response, Apple staff and other industry representatives discuss the process of developing reference manuals and the issue…

Discusses the importance of two criteria often neglected on software evaluation forms: (1) the match between the instructor's objectives for a class and the objectives of the computer program and (2) the ease of transfer of the skills learned in the program to other situations. (AEA)

Illustrates some of the problems and the advantages of three programs designed for language arts instruction: "English Volume I" (MECC), "English SAT 1" (Microlab), and "Vocabulary Prompter" (Jagdstaffel). (AEA)

A software program, AIMSTAR, was designed to enhance the process of making decision rules about when and how an instructional program should be changed. Examples are given of the program's use in teaching a mentally retarded adolescent to identify utensils by name. (CL)

Suggestions are offered of ways in which teachers of gifted elementary students can provide nonprograming computer activities even when limited computer resources and expertise are available. Among activities noted are word processing and adventure games. (CL)

Reports on AV-ONLINE (file 46 on DIALOG), the database of the National Information Center for Educational Media (NICEM), which provides an index to annotated bibliographic descriptions of audiovisual materials of an educational or informational nature. Recent changes in the areas of record design, index vocabulary, coverage, and market are…

AUTOBJ and AUTOBOX are revolutionary software programs which contain the first application of artificial intelligence to statistical procedures used in analysis of time series data. The artificial intelligence included in the programs and program features are discussed. (JN)

Adventure/fantasy games, a form of simulation software, are described and recommended for bright but unmotivated learning disabled students. Several commercial games are reviewed and suggestions are given for writing the program for an adventure game. The games are thought to contribute to reading comprehenson, spelling, critical thinking, and…

Presents several computer-oriented activities dealing with electronic dice, reading menus, rhyming words, and a high-technology version of musical chairs. Although these activities assume a certain level of computer expertise, each one can be easily adapted in any grade. (JN)

Reports on findings of research done by Nolan Information Management Services concerning availability of microcomputer software for libraries. Highlights include software categories (specific, generic-database management programs, original); number of programs available in 1982 for 12 applications; projections for 1983; and future software…

Ten visually impaired students (12-18 years old) were instructed via a two-module instructional kit to use microcomputers and to learn the programing language, BASIC. Results indicated that the visually impaired students learned the major components of the microcomputer and were able to use the cassette braille access device. (CL)

Deaf children (9-14 years old) in Project IDEA (Individualized Deaf Education Alternative) use the computer for word processing, problem solving, programing, and creating databases and graphics rather than merely for drill and practice. A list of recommended software for elementary students concludes the article. (CL)