Discusses the characteristics, limitations, uses, and programing features of the Radio Shack Model 100, one of the first truly portable personal computers, and describes how it differs from a "transportable" computer in weight, size, and features. (MBR)

Describes the features and performance of the Radio Shack TRS-80 Pocket Computer. Programming capacity, various system commands, and the speed of the computer's operations are discussed. (JL)

Briefly describes the history of computer printers, discusses recent developments, and outlines some of the potential characteristics of future printers. Included are a glossary of terms commonly used to describe the various features of printers and a table listing the manufacturers' addresses, specifications, and costs of over 150 currently…

Describes three popular "shareware" computer programs: PC-Write (word processing program for IBM PC and compatibles); PC-File III (electronic file system); PC-Talk III (communications program). Shareware programs are marketed at minimum profit with maximum distribution and unlimited acceptance test; are protected by copyright; and…

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…

Identifies essential database management terminology and groups the various types of database management programs into three basic categories for discussion of basic features, typical applications, and costs. A table of the leading programs available in each category includes the manufacturer's name and address, hardware requirements, and price…

A principal offers school administrators advice on computerizing their offices. Necessary characteristics of computer hardware and software are described. (MLF)

Describes and evaluates the hardware, operation, peripheral devices, software, and performance capabilities of the Atari 400 microcomputer system. (JL)

Describes and evaluates the hardware, operation, peripheral devices, software, and performance capabilities of the Radio Shack Color Computer System. (JL)

Describes and evaluates the hardware, operation, software, and performance capabilities of the Sinclair ZX81 personal computer. Designed as a beginning computer for learning BASIC, this compact, inexpensive microcomputer also has prepackaged software for tax computation, personal finance, education, graphics, and arcade-style games. (JL)

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)

Describes and evaluates the components and performance of the IBM Personal Computer. Data processing and memory capacity, compatible software packages and programming languages, and system options are discussed. (JL)

Describes the unique features, available software, performance capabilities, system options, costs, advantages, disadvantages, and eccentricities of the Osborne 1 microcomputer. A table summarizes specifications, features, and costs. (JL)

Describes a hardware/software configuration based on personal computers and commercially available generic software that has been assembled to support online bibliographic database searchers. Searchers' ability to trade scripts to transfer expertise in this complex field, and to provide facilities for post-processing of downloaded citations are…

This first of two articles discusses major advantages to libraries and information centers of using microcomputer communications; describes items microcomputers require to communicate--communications interface, modems, and communications software--and procedures for using microcomputers to communicate; and provides a directory of popular modems…