Reviews the latest version of the SuperCalc spreadsheet, indicating that it now provides color graphics, two-key sorting, and database management functions (including Internal Rate of Return). Also indicates that the program is not copy protected, useful in trying to integrate a variety of programs. (JN)

Describes Iowa State University's Computation Center. Center's responsibilities include computer science research and providing computing services to the university. System Industries' Trade and Exchange program (permitting used Digital Equipment Corporation disk drives to be exchanged for new SI equipment at substantial cost savings) was used to…

Describes XMARC, a set of computer programs which provides students with a simplified means of writing programs for the automatic indexing of an experimental collection of MARC records. (Author/FM)

A computer course for parents, developing/using a histogram program, and writing form letters using Atari PILOT (Program listing included) are suggested. Includes an article ("Data Basing") by Al Kramer and Fritzi Lareau suggesting that students be provided with activities to create, use, maintain computerized databases. (JN)

This article shows how MAGIC, a computer language formulated by a major supplier of business-oriented numeric data which works in conjunction with the APL programing language, provides an effective management tool for analysis and presentation of business-oriented data (private or public) by nonprogrammers. Illustrative material is presented. (EJS)

Provides a generalized overview of the problems that software buyers are likely to encounter and could overcome. Experiences of Online, Inc., in purchasing programs, using software documentation or manuals, and problems with software, provide examples. (EJS)

Describes the use of IBM's Storage and Information Retrieval System (STAIRS) in the development of an online catalog for the Business and Technical Library of the Cummins Engine Company. The functions, advantages, and disadvantages of the system are outlined. A reference list and three sample searches are attached. (JL)

Describes the replication agreements between WLN and replicating institutions such as the National Library of Australia and the University of Illinois whereby use of WLN software is permitted on the basis of reciprocity of bibliographic information by the contracting parties. (RAA)

Issues having a possible impact on online search services in libraries are discussed including full text databases, front-end processors which translate user's input into the command language of an appropriate system, downloading to create personal files from commercial databases, and pricing. (EJS)

Because experience with large information retrieval (IR) and database management (DBM) systems has shown that they are not adequate for the handling of textual material, two Swedish companies--Paralog and AU-System Network--have joined in a venture to develop a software package which combines features from IR and DMB systems to form a Text Data…

Intended for users of the 3RIP text retrieval database, for retrieval system users with a knowledge of the EURONET Common Command Language (CCL), and for 3RIP system managers, this booklet provides a complete description of the 3RIP retrieval system command language. New functions and recent changes in the 3RIP system are summarized, system…

These quarterly reports for June and September 1979 are two in a series concerned with describing a research project to design, test, and evaluate a machine intermediary which teaches and assists users of the DIALOG system. Report No. 5 explains in detail the instructional aspect of the Individualized Instruction for Data Access (IIDA) project and…

The currently operational version of the INGRES data base management system gives a relational view of data, supports two high level, non-procedural data sublanguages, and runs as a collection of user processes on top of a UNIX operating system. The authors stress the design decisions and tradeoffs in relation to (1) structuring the system into…

Describes the use of a microcomputer system to generate a personal database of books read by adding titles, displaying title/author information, and editing title/author information and discusses the system design, i.e., file structure (author index, book index, book, author), the main driver, function subroutines, and screen subroutines. (EJS)

The Apple-based MITINET system uses several forms of technology (Library of Congress MARC file in microfiche, microcomputers, COM vendor) to produce library database and COM catalog. Cost for MITINET software is based on number of branches or buildings performing conversion, and varies from $250 to $85 per building or branch. (EJS)