A rationale for understanding computer operations is given. An overview of microcomputer technology, including an introduction to computer software, hardware, input and output devices, central processing unit, primary and secondary memory, and videodisk interactive systems is presented. (Author/BS)

This overview of a digital optical storage medium with a multimedia capability includes a global description of specifications, current status, and elements required to make a CD-I (compact disk interactive) launch possible. (Author/CLB)

Discusses major features of microcomputers (word length, memory, size, disk size and capacity, central processing unit speed, peripherals, software) and provides descriptions of 19 models. Comparative analysis on basis of cost, software support, machine capacity, storage capacity, and types of peripherals is presented. A 173-item bibliography is…

Explains the basic hardware, software, and media options for changing from a CD-ROM user to a CD-ROM publisher. Highlights include system configurations; computer recommendations; transfer media, including tapes, discs, and optical media; backup software and formatting/simulation software; costs; and publishing systems. (LRW)

Intended to stimulate discussion rather than present solutions, this report summarizes how digital technology applies to preservation problems beyond the preservation of print materials. Specifically it describes the problems new kinds of media such as audio and videotape and computer disks pose to librarians and archivists in terms of long-term…

Describes a product--BiblioFile, Library Corporation's catalog production system--and a service--reproduction of public domain software on CD-ROM for sale to those interested--which revolve around the ultra-high-density storage capacity of CD-ROM discs. Criteria for selecting microcomputers are briefly reviewed. (MBR)

This summary of the literature on document image processing from 1988-90 focuses on WORM (write once read many) technology and on rewritable (i.e., erasable) optical discs, and excludes CD-ROM. Highlights include vendors and products, standards, comparisons of storage media, software, legal issues, records management, indexing, and computer…

Reviews the current status of electronic archiving, especially in Great Britain and the United States, including current use of various electronic storage media; advantages and utilizations of optical disk technology; trends toward full-text databases and increased videotex use; growing quantity of electronic information; and problems in archiving…

Discusses factors that should be considered by buyers and producers of databases on CD-ROM (compact disc-read only memory). The advantages and disadvantages of CD-ROM are also discussed and compared with those of magnetic and print media, and market projections are provided. (CLB)

Description of new applications of digital optical disc storage technologies focuses on CD-ROM (Compact Disc--Read Only Memory); CD-I (Compact Disc--Interactive); and DV-I (Digital Video--Interactive). Features of each technology are described in the context of instructional design and educational technology, and the role of educational research…

This article defines three separate categories of microcomputers--personal, desk-top, multi-user devices--and relates storage capabilities (expandability, floppy disks) to library applications. Highlghts include de facto standards, operating systems, database management systems, applications software, circulation control systems, dumb and…

Describes technological aspects of image information, compares it with alphanumeric databases, and discusses applications in the areas of business, government, libraries, and medicine and more. The components of an image processing system are explained, systems analysis and design are discussed, and predictions for the 1990s are offered. (153…

This paper synthesizes some of the many ideas and issues pertaining to research on the development of writing skills, and on creating new technologies for writing. Such technologies include computer-based production tools, videodiscs, and other mass storage technologies with potential for knowledge storing and structuring. The discussion also…

Description of high density data storage (HDDS) devices focuses on CD-ROMs and explores their impact on libraries, publishing, education, and library communications. Highlights include costs; technical standards; reading devices; authoring systems; robotics; the influence of new technology on the role of libraries; and royalty and copyright issues…

This special feature focuses on recent developments in optical disk technology. Nine articles discuss current trends, large scale image processing, data structures for optical disks, the use of computer simulators to create optical disks, videodisk use in training, interactive audio video systems, impacts on federal information policy, and…