"The Evolution of a School Library Network: Setting up a CD-ROM Local Area Network (LAN)" describes how to set up a CD-ROM LAN in a school library, including establishing a technology plan and choosing hardware, software, cabling, and staffing. A description of the Texas Education Network (TENET) and reviews of print and electronic…

Describes new products that relate to document delivery, including a wireless electronic mail connection; multivendor office integration software to exchange electronic mail; analog film recorders; an electronic messaging system for personal computer local area networks; software for transferring data files; voice message delivery systems; and…

This discussion of computer viruses explains how these viruses may be transmitted, describes their effects on data and/or computer application programs, and identifies three groups that propagate them. Ten major viruses are listed and described, and measures to deal with them are discussed. Nineteen antiviral programs are also listed and…

Discusses client-server architecture in dumb terminals, personal computers, local area networks, and graphical user interfaces. Focuses on functions offered by client personal computers: individualized environments; flexibility in running operating systems; advanced operating system features; multiuser environments; and centralized data…

Summarizes responses from an international survey of automated library system vendors who offer integrated, multi-user, multi-function systems running on mainframes, minis, and micros using multi-user operating systems. Companies were questioned about their computer systems, products, customers, staff, and sales figures. A comparative analysis of…

Explains File Transfer Protocol (FTP), an application software program that allows a user to transfer files from one computer to another. The benefit of the rapid operating speed of FTP is discussed, the use of FTP on microcomputers, minicomputers, and workstations is described, and FTP problems are considered. (four references) (LRW)

Discusses the use of local area networks (LANs) in libraries and offers suggestions for less expensive versions through resource sharing. Varying disk sizes are discussed, file sharing is described, printer sharing is explained, and combined hardware and software packages for connecting two to four computers are described. (20 references) (LRW)

Discusses conversion projects that move information from one format to another. Planning considerations are discussed; types of conversion processes are described, including conversion between computers using software, cables, or networks; special conversions are examined, including CD-ROMs and online databases; and companies that specialize in…

Discusses the application of the UNIX/XENIX operating system to support administrative office automation functions--word processing, spreadsheets, database management systems, electronic mail, and communications--at the Central Michigan University Libraries. Advantages and disadvantages of the XENIX operating system and system configuration are…

Describes telefacsimile (FAX) technology and discusses the Associated College Libraries of Central Pennsylvania project which is planning to implement a FAX network for member libraries. Guidelines for FAX use within Pennsylvania are included, and sidebar reviews recent developments in FAX add-ons, standalones, and applications. (MES)

Examines potential solutions to the problem of personal computer cabling and configuration and serial port performance, namely "FireWire" (P1394) and "Universal Serial Bus" (USB). Discusses interface design, technical capabilities, user friendliness, compatibility, costs, and future perspectives. (AEF)

An overview of integrated learning systems (ILS) is provided. Twelve companies marketing products under the term ILS are identified. Philosophical approaches, curriculum areas, management systems, costs, and company stability are discussed as important considerations for schools considering these companies. (CW)

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 three encyclopedias available on CD-ROM: (1) Grolier's Electronic Encyclopedia; (2) World Book's Information Finder; and (3) Compton's Multimedia Encyclopedia. Ideas for how they might be used in the classroom are suggested, information retrieval versus motivation is discussed, learning processes are examined, and stand-alone versus…

Discusses the growing use of telecommunications in the classroom and lists 30 projects and networks currently available to educators. Highlights include general online services; databases; news services; local area projects; worldwide projects; electronic mail projects, including AT&T's Long Distance Learning Network (LDLN); and networks for…