Advantages of using online systems are described, and specific techniques for successfully transmitting computer text files are described. Topics covered include Microsoft's Rich TextFile, WordPerfect encoding, text compression, and especially encoding and decoding with UNIX programs. (LB)

Describes "l'autodictionnaire," a computer program created to help language learners enrich their vocabulary through the use of an electronic, modifiable dictionary. (SR)

"Crossword Creator" software allows users to generate crossword puzzles via computer. Vocational students can use it to learn computer skills while increasing technical vocabulary, practicing use of reference materials, learning cooperatively, and reinforcing spelling. (SK)

Discusses documenting object-oriented projects from the technical writer's perspective. Suggests that writers prepare themselves by becoming educated, getting comfortable with object-oriented concepts, understanding reuse, defining a development process with the rest of the project team, and defining document requirements using rapid prototyping.…

Describes how audio technology is being integrated into CD-ROMs to create multimedia products. Computer hardware and software are discussed, including the use of HyperCard to combine still pictures, moving video pictures, and sound; and specific new multimedia products produced by the Voyager Company are described. (LRW)

Discussion of computer viruses describes two types of viruses and how they work; suggests ways to prevent or minimize virus risk; and explains how to recognize a virus and limit damage once a virus attacks. A sidebar lists several antivirus software products. (two references) (NRP)

Explains NAPLPS (North American Presentation Layer Protocol Syntax), a graphic standard for the encoding of animated graphics, symbols as graphics, and text. Sources of information on NAPLPS are described, including shareware and other software; and use of NAPLPS on electronic bulletin board systems is discussed. (LRW)

Addresses the question of how to write computer programs using explicit knowledge and rules-based systems. Highlights include the knowledge representation tool; the knowledge base on programming; and results of experiments that tested the system. Appendices include the set of rules for the experimental knowledge base and details of two…

FlipPhr is a MicroSoft Windows application program that rearranges ("flips") phrases or other expressions in accordance with rules in a grammar. The flipping may be invoked with a single keystroke from within various Windows application programs that allow cutting and pasting of text. The user may modify the grammar to provide for…

Although presentation software enables visual enhancements such as 3-D and digital photographs, speakers must remember that the message is most important. Business educators should ensure that students have good speech skills and avoid overemphasizing technology. (SK)

Reports on difficulties that institutions of higher education are having with new integrated student-administration software systems being developed by PeopleSoft. Institutions have been reporting automation projects which are months behind schedule and budget overruns. The company has apologized and some institutions admit they share…

Describes how a software program for DOS/Windows manages a collection of pictures such as photographic slides, overheads, or computer images in one or more databases. Explains how it transforms image files to raw binary files that can then be displayed like flash cards, or as an animated series of images. (Author/LRW)

Considers the confusion of over 20 different kinds of graphics programs. Briefly distinguishes between some of the more popular graphics formats (Photoshop, TIFF, JPEG, GIF, PICT, and EPS), and describes the benefits and disadvantages of each in the context of journalism education. (SC)

Takes several goodness-of-fit statistics as measures of variable selection and develops backward elimination and forward selection procedures in exploratory factor analysis. A newly developed variable selection program, SEFA, can print several fit measures for a current model and models obtained by removing an internal variable or adding an…

Explains how software technology is helping to manage campus housing more efficiently by offering new features, greater flexibility, and more powerful reporting capabilities. Several examples of how universities used campus housing software are discussed. (GR)