Discusses the brief history of microcomputers, offering some predictions about hardware trends. Gives explicit criteria for judging a computer language and discusses different programing languages in terms of what has been used in the past, and why, and what might be appropriate for the future. (JN)

Discusses algebraic programing languages, availability of these languages, and programing problems. Also discusses the future of these languages in chemical research and chemical education. A program illustrating the general algebraic and algebraic matrix manipulating capabilities of the REDUCE language is included. (JN)

Provides instructions for "seeding" the random number generator (RND) in Apple computer programs. If RND is not seeded, students would see the same examples, questions, graphics features, or other information each time they turn on the microcomputer and run a program. (JN)

Explains the attributes of a good laboratory language and the advantages and disadvantages of specific computer languages such as Forth, Pascal, C, APL, BASIC, and Fortran. Attributes considered focus on user/computer, instrument/computer, and user/user communication. (JN)

The use of the Prolog programing language is promoted as the language to use by anyone teaching a course in relational databases. A short introduction to Prolog is followed by a series of examples of queries. Several references are noted for anyone wishing to gain a deeper understanding. (MP)

GrafTalk is a powerful, easy to use, business-oriented graphics package for producing pie, bar, and line-plot graphs. GrafTalk should run on nearly any CP/M-based system that drives a graphics device through serial/parallel output port. Discusses package installation, structure, documentation, and use, plotting scientific data, and comparison with…

Describes an exercise (using Apple microcomputer) which provides an introduction to computer simulation as a biological research tool. Includes examples of students' modeling programs and partial program listings for programs developed by students from an original model. (JN)

Presented are sources of information on a wide range of topics related to microcomputers in general and chemistry in particular. Sources described include "Journal of Chemical Education,""Collegiate Microcomputer,""SIAM News,""Creative Computing,""Byte," and others. Types of articles/information found in these publications are briefly considered.…

Strategies for incorporating a calculator made within FORTRAN programs and a Response Analysis Scheme during interactive sessions are described highlighting salient features of the programs. (Author/SK)

Suggests that programing can bring about an understanding of several biological concepts which, because of their arithmetic implication, are often considered to be difficult. Population growth is used to illustrate the proposal, in which computing and the study of the topic are integrated. (Author/JN)

Following a discussion of how computers are used to solve chemical problems, offers suggestions for avoiding common problems, reviews successful applications and languages (BASIC and FORTRAN), speculates on future trends, and discusses why chemists need to know about computers. (SK)

Describes an easily constructed, small laboratory computer that can be programed in BASIC. The computer is easy to use with analog to digital and digital to analog converters so that it can serve as a control or data logging computer. (Author/JN)

This paper describes Macintosh features which can be used in writing interactive programs. A program written in Microsoft BASIC (version 2.0 interpreter) is described which is used to produce plots of electric field produced by two-dimensional arrangements of point charges. It demonstrates the use of pull-down menus, windows on the screen, the…

Describes an approach to teaching interactive computing for physics students beginning with the use of BASIC and video terminals during the first year of study (includes writing solution programs for practical problems). Second year students learn FORTRAN and apply it to interpolation, numerical integration, and differential equations. (JM)

Discusses why, when and how microcomputer simulations of biological topics should be used in the classroom. Includes a five-step procedure for creating such simulations using population growth as an example to describe each step. Steps include topic/background material selection, writing program, and making support materials for the simulation.…