Discusses the current problems associated with computer viruses that affect system and software users and the frequency with which they occur. System security is discussed, steps to take to safeguard against damage by computer viruses are suggested, and anti-viral programs, or vaccines, are described. (LRW)

Argues that advent of computer-aided instruction (CAI) systems for teaching introductory computer programing makes it imperative that software be developed to automate assessment and grading of student programs. Examples of typical student programing problems are given, and application of the Unix tools Lex and Yacc to the automatic assessment of…

Discusses the teaching consultant process in computer programing courses, describes a teaching consultant model from both the teachers' and students' perspectives, and shows how this model can be used to develop an intelligent teaching consultant (ITC). Differences between this collection of expert systems and conventional intelligent tutoring…

Notecards is a computer environment designed to help people work with ideas by providing a set of tools for a variety of specific activities, which can range from sketching on the back of an envelope to formally representing knowledge. The basic framework of this hypermedia system is a semantic network of electronic notecards connected by…

Intermedia, a hypermedia system developed at Brown University's Institute for Research (Rhode Island) in Information and Scholarship, is first described, and then used as a case study to explore a number of key issues that software designers must consider in the development of hypermedia document systems. A hypermedia document system is defined as…

Describes the Cetus Corporation library's online information system, called ISCLine (Information Services Center Line). Menu options are explained, system maintenance is described, the use of the system by employees and staff is examined, and future possibilities are considered. A sidebar by Diana L. Ziegler describes programing procedures for…

Discussion of the portability of educational software focuses on the software design and development process. Topics discussed include levels of portability; the user-computer dialog; software engineering principles; design techniques for student performance records; techniques of courseware programing; and suggestions for further research and…

Describes the integrated Intelligent Tutor, Environment and Manual for Introductory Programing (ITEM/IP), which supports a course on computer programing based on the minilanguage Turingal. Discussion covers system design, including design philosophy, system overview, concepts included and information structure, programing laboratory mode,…

Explains the design and development of BISTATS, a computer application using dBASEIII for compiling bibliographic instruction statistics that was developed at State University College at Buffalo. Highlights include system design and development, data items included in the records, programming procedures, and testing and modifications. (LRW)

Examines trends in the design of database management systems for microcomputers and predicts developments that may occur in the next decade. Possible developments are discussed in the areas of user interfaces, database programing, library systems, the use of MARC data, CD-ROM applications, artificial intelligence features, HyperCard, and…

Five articles discuss various aspects of workstations and their applications in higher education. Highlights include microcomputers and workstations; UNIX operating system; campus-wide networks; software; Project SOCRATES and the interdisciplinary aspect of engineering; mechanical system design and simulation; and the Creation Station, a…

Discusses distance learning, describes the Open University in the United Kingdom, and describes the incorporation of home computing into computer courses at the Open University. Industrial training is discussed, a course using televised classes and one using video and printed materials are described, and future possibilities are suggested. (Three…