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…

Presents reasons why microcomputers are a better investment than simply upgrading to a plain video terminal, and gives advice on how to shop for your first microcomputer. (LLS)

Discusses the benefits and disadvantages for library uses of stand-alone and integrated computer systems, multi-user and single-user systems, local area networks versus shared logic systems, and the Macintosh Library System which combines features of both. (EM)

Presented is a personal computer computer-analysis system to help the consumer decide which microcomputer best suits his needs. (KC)

The PASCAL and BASIC programing languages are compared, with the additional features provided by PASCAL described in detail. (MP)

This description and comparison of the major economic statistical database services discusses such factors as public and proprietary data, value-added services, user training and support, data specialties, and pricing. (CLB)

Features of two versions of the BASIC programing language are compared with the features of the PASCAL programing language. The application chosen for comparison was a word processor. The conclusion was that PASCAL had the best language features, but BASIC had better systems capabilities. (MP)

Discussion of how moving image documents (MID)--i.e., film, videotape, and videodisc--can be described for information retrieval highlights the Image Structure Information System (ISIS) project. This project elaborated a definition of abstract suitable for MID and constructed a microcomputer environment that selects elements useful for access and…

Describes the general methodology of time and motion studies and reports the results of a study which used this methodology to compare digitization of images in a microcomputer environment with storage of images on microforms. (CLB)

Representing the point of view of Philips Subsystems and Peripherals on Compact Disc-Read Only Memory (CD-ROM) and Compact Disc-Interactive (CD-I) issues, this position paper attempts to point out differences and similarities between the basic CD-ROM standard and the CD-I standard proposed for interactive use of data. (Author/MBR)

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)

Describes and compares the features, performance capabilities, specifications, and available options for a number of recently-marketed microcomputers, including the Apple II Plus, the Atari 800, the Commodore PET 400 and CBM 8000, and the Radio Shack TRS 80 Model III. (JL)

Details factors related to the selection of microcomputer systems for computer-based instruction, including cost-effectiveness, instruction improvement and enhancement, and projected use. Descriptions of Apple, Atari, PET, Sorcerer, Terak, Texas Instruments, and TRS-80 are included along with a glossary of microcomputer related terms. (LLS)

Recent improvements in the human factors elements incorporated in the design of personal computer interfaces are illustrated by detailed analyses of two microcomputers and their word processors (Osborne 1/WordStar and Apple's Macintosh/MacWrite). The vital steps in operation are described through analyses of the behavioral requirements involved in…

Discusses advantages and problems of utilizing 16mm films, videotapes, and videodiscs in classroom instruction; lists additional sources of information for videodisc related materials; and makes recommendations for classroom video usage. (MBR)