This article provides a quick start guide to provide educators with the basic points to consider before installing a wireless network in the school. Since many school districts have already implemented wireless networks, there is a lot of information available online to assist in the process.

Discusses the conceptual roots of computer-mediated collaboration in real-time networks and the software environments that currently support these networks. Examines the informal and formal electronic-mail networks in the United Kingdom. Speculates on future developments for this emerging technology. (JJK)

Describes the advantages of the development of open systems, i.e., a configuration which combines software and hardware from separate vendors into a single system, as a means of increasing the possible applications of library automation. (CLB)

Compiled by various members of the higher educational community together with risk managers, computer center managers, and computer industry experts, this report recommends establishing policies on an institutional level to protect colleges and universities from computer viruses and the accompanying liability. Various aspects of the topic are…

Discussed are the factors to be considered when establishing a computer network. Considered are telecommunications, in general, along with channels, switching, packet switching, transmission, multiplexing, and local area networks (LANS). (TW)

Distance learning networks make training and advanced education possible when time and budgetary constraints make face-to-face training difficult. To make distance learning work, instructors and providers must harness the potential of synchronous and asynchronous communication technologies to create powerful, learner-centered networks. Support…

The 1980 Amendments (P.L. 95-517) to the updated Copyright Law of 1976 contain two major provisions pertaining to computers. First, only one copy of the master copy of a piece of software may be legally duplicated--the backup copy made by the owner for archival purposes. Second, the only other legal copy of the master copy owned by the user is…

This article is adapted from the introduction to EDUCOM's forthcoming book, Campus Networking Strategies, which includes 10 case study chapters detailing academic experiences with computer networking. Topics discussed in the introduction include network issues for management, networking economics, engineering and telecommunications issues, and…

Considers how civil law might treat claims of defamation arising from computer newsgroup postings. Concludes that newsgroup postings will probably be treated as a hybrid of print and broadcast media, and that newsgroup users will vigorously and aggressively protect freedoms of speech and press. While traditional defenses to defamation charges will…

Presented is information about the National Science Teachers Association computer bulletin board, Science Line. Described are the features of the service and how teachers may gain access. (CW)

Information technologies such as computer mediated communication (CMC), virtual reality, and telepresence can provide the communication flow required by high-speed management techniques that high-technology industries have adopted in response to changes in the climate of competition. Intra-corporate CMC might be used for a variety of purposes…

This description of workstations, i.e., multipurpose computers expected to become one of the dominant forms of computing in higher education, focuses on computer vendors and market considerations. Highlights include hardware requirements, cost factors, the relationship of vendors and educators, software development problems, and possible future…

Describes the Linked Systems Protocol, a draft national standard for bibliographic information retrieval aimed at developing an extended protocol for the movement of bibliographic information from one system to another, and its implications for library automation, the individual librarian, and the library user. (CLB)

The first of two articles describes changes in computer technologies and user needs which affect the role of bibliographic utilities and discusses the need for cooperation between libraries and computing professionals. The second article discusses underlying strategies of library collection management in terms of quantitative and intuitive…

Reviews the availability and use of educational software in elementary and secondary education. Topics discussed include the slow growth of software purchased by schools, programs that support the curriculum, word processing, tutorials, and trends toward networking and MS-DOS compatible software. (LRW)