Discusses the selection and evaluation of locally mounted computer files for health sciences libraries, including informational programs such as bibliographic and factual databases; computer-assisted instruction programs; and expert systems. Topics addressed include print sources; database sources; selection criteria, including content and cost;…

Explains the basic hardware, software, and media options for changing from a CD-ROM user to a CD-ROM publisher. Highlights include system configurations; computer recommendations; transfer media, including tapes, discs, and optical media; backup software and formatting/simulation software; costs; and publishing systems. (LRW)

This last article in a series which reported results of a software evaluation project done by the Netherlands Association of Users of Online Information Systems (VOGIN) focuses on how to select appropriate software. Topics discussed include price considerations; user needs; and types and quality of information. (Contains 11 references.) (LRW)

Discusses the need for security and metering features for CD-ROM products. Topics covered include user productivity issues, pricing problems, integrated information resources, advantages of CD-ROM distribution systems, unauthorized use, content encryption, and multiple simultaneous meters. (MES)

Reports on major change in computer software development process--the prototype model, i.e., implementation of skeletal system that is enhanced during interaction with users. Expensive and unreliable software, software design errors, traditional development approach, resources required for prototyping, success stories, and systems designer's role…

Three methods employed to price and sell computer equipment are discussed: computer pricing, hardware pricing, system pricing (system includes complete computer and support hardware system and relatively complete software package). Advantages of system pricing are detailed, the author's system is described, and 10 systems currently available are…

Discussion of reasons for and possible implications of the illegal copying of software focuses on software theft in higher education. Copy protected versus non-copy protected software is discussed, the technology of microcomputer systems is considered, and the impact of theft on software developers and vendors is examined. (LRW)

Describes CD-ROM technologies, including how to access them. Highlights include a history of CD-ROM development; multimedia; Macintosh versus DOS/Window users; CD-ROM XA; adding audio and video; Photo CD; video compression; new products; and a list of companies, their CD-ROM products, features and costs. (LRW)

Description of portable microcomputers discusses design features of Tandy TRS-80, Nippon Electric Company PC-8200, Epson HX-20, Texas Instruments TI CC 40, and Convergent Technologies' Workslate and provides several caveats and recommendations to those making purchasing decisions. Potential uses for portable microcomputers in education are also…

Three separate articles present advantages and disadvantages of microcomputer use in libraries and some guidelines for determining whether their use is appropriate. Highlights include potential of microcomputers for improving existing situations; merits of automation; health hazards posed by microcomputers; man-machine interface difficulties;…

Discusses the hardware and software necessary to generate charts and graphs to illustrate numeric data using a microcomputer. The manufacturer, price, operating system, memory requirements, and types of graphs they can produce are given for nine graphics software packages and seven inexpensive plotters. (MBR)

This paper is addressed to librarians and information managers who, as one of the many activities they routinely perform, frequently publish information in such formats as newsletters, manuals, brochures, forms, presentations, or reports. It is argued that desktop publishing--a personal computer-based software package used to generate documents of…

Discusses design, applications, advantages, disadvantages, users, and future trends of two types of natural language programs: menu-driven where commands are constructed from lists of words, and English-command-driven which translate your words into commands recognized by the computer. Several specific computer programs are described, including…

Outlines how microcomputers can reduce paperwork and add efficiency to the principal's job. Includes recommendations for software programs and tips on effective uses of microcomputers. (MD)

For equivalent computer power, smaller computers are not more expensive than larger computers. The cost of computing in the immediate future will be governed not by hardware costs but rather by personnel, software, and communications costs. (Author/MLW)