The technologists, research doctors, computer programmers, electrical engineers, and biomedical engineers who design and create new medical diagnostic equipment and medical treatments are now working on medical systems that use the computing power of personal computers and cell phones. For disease diagnosis, they are finding ways to shrink…

Examines the planning process to identify equipment or systems within an educational facility that could be Y2K sensitive. Discusses developing a contingency plan to prevent operational shutdown. Concluding comments describe a simple Y2K equipment-testing procedure. (GR)

Allegheny College (Pennsylvania), which uses NeXT computers, was dismayed when the technically superior operating system was orphaned but are now delighted that the company has been bought by Apple Computer and will make the operating system standard on Apple computers. The object-oriented operating system allows relatively unsophisticated users…

Describes the components, costs, and capabilities of several desktop publishing systems, and examines their possible impact on work patterns within organizations. The text and graphics of the article were created using various microcomputer software packages. (CLB)

CD-Rewritable (CD-RW) is the latest advance in compact disc technology, permitting the erasure and reuse of space up to 1,000 times at a slightly higher cost than CD-Recordable (CD-R). This article reviews and rates twelve CD-RW drives and highlights packet-writing software that allows files to be recorded a few at a time by dropping them onto the…

Using a question/answer format, responds to some of the most common concerns and problems faced by newcomers to the use of computers in developmental education. Considers questions about hardware and software selection, explains basic terminology, and lists resources for further information. (DMM)

Considerations for faculty to make in choosing appropriate computer dealers, hardware, and software are outlined, with specific information given about system types, capabilities, compatibility, costs, and selection criteria for each. A brief reading list is included. (MSE)

Three articles discuss new computer hardware and software options which produce professional looking documents with the use of microcomputers; evaluate several computer programs that enable microcomputer users to design, typeset, and paste up publications electronically; and describe the Hewlett-Packard and Apple personal laser printers. (MBR)

General types of computer programs and some representative titles currently available are described and outlined, including programs for electronic spreadsheets, word processing, database management, statistical analysis, graphics, telecommunications, and personal use. (MSE)