Enumerates principal management objectives of database management systems (data independence, quality, security, multiuser access, central control) and criteria for comparison (response time, size, flexibility, other features). Conventional database management systems, relational databases, and database machines used for backend processing are…

Shows how and why errors get introduced into examples in computer software documentation and what actions technical communicators can take to minimize this occurrence. Proposes a method to test examples. Suggests that technical writers can avoid these sources of error by creating and implementing a good test plan, maintaining and updating the…

This electronic utility promises to instantly deliver to the classroom a vast array of constantly updated instructional materials--software, textbooks, news services, video, databases, reference sources, word processing, and spreadsheet tools--and to bring all of technology's capabilities together into one integrated system. (Author)

Examines the shift in schools toward using software that teaches critical thinking skills. A list of 14 packages is also provided, with each entry including name, recommended age level(s), current cost, source, and a brief description. (JN)

Discussion of the acquisition of small computer systems (microcomputers and software) by libraries for their own use covers the decision-making process, five options available for acquiring software, stand-alone microcomputer packages for library housekeeping, and national bibliographic control of computer software. Twenty-six references are…

Discusses what to look for when considering the purchase of a microcomputer. Also discusses the basic features of word processing, spreadsheet, and database software. (JN)

Explains what software manufacturers are doing to combat software piracy, recommends how managers should deal with this problem, and provides a role-playing exercise to help students understand the issues in software piracy. (SR)

In many companies, training management and knowledge management are merging. Enterprise-resource-planning software products promise seamless integration of all information flowing through a company. Training then becomes part of a process, not a course or event. (SK)

A shortage of information-technology professionals is leading some companies to recruit and train people from other fields. Some dissenters believe the shortage is an excuse to fill positions with lower-paid foreign nationals and college students. (SK)

Includes "The Coolness Factor" (Julie Creswell); "Cool Companies 1998" (Melanie Warner et al.); "Four Forces that Will Shape the Internet" (Andrew Kupfer); "Nashville Online. A Case Study: Has the Internet Changed Anything at All?" (Eryn Brown); and "Electronic Books Are Coming at Last!" (Carol…

Accompanying the explosive growth of the Internet have been concerns about protecting children from viewing pornographic and other harmful images through cyberspace. In the past few years, Congress has passed several acts to censor Internet sites available to children, but only the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) has received Supreme…

In an attempt to specify in some canonical terms what many heuristic programs known as "expert systems" do, an analysis was made of ten rule-based systems. It was found that these programs proceed through easily identifiable phases of data abstraction, heuristic mapping onto a hierarchy of pre-enumerated solutions, and refinement within this…

Describes (in separate articles) 25 developments in science, technology, and medicine that have potential impact on the near future. They include discoveries related to space butterflies, drugs, twenty-first century software, experimental mathematics, brain drugs, egg development, ultrasmall microchips, the biology of birth, cancer-causing genes,…

This initial article in series of three discusses barriers inhibiting use of current online retrieval systems by novice users and notes reasons for front end and gateway online retrieval systems. Definitions, front end features, user interface, location (personal computer, host mainframe), evaluation, and strengths and weaknesses are covered. (16…

Encourages teachers to examine how equity in educational computing may be occurring in vocational programs. Outlines several strategies for creating equal educational computing opportunities for students in vocational education. (Author/CH)