Reports on findings of research done by Nolan Information Management Services concerning availability of microcomputer software for libraries. Highlights include software categories (specific, generic-database management programs, original); number of programs available in 1982 for 12 applications; projections for 1983; and future software…

Discusses microcomputer applications in social work settings, including designing client records and process notes, establishing filing and recordkeeping systems, and performing qualitative and quantitative analysis of data stored on diskettes. Considers the applications of available, easy-to-use and reliable software packages. (Author/JAC)

Discusses the nature of programing languages, considering the features of BASIC, LOGO, PASCAL, COBOL, FORTH, APL, and LISP. Also discusses machine/assembly codes, the operation of a compiler, and trends in the evolution of programing languages (including interest in notational systems called object-oriented languages). (JN)

A computer operating system spans multiple layers of complexity, from commands entered at a keyboard to the details of electronic switching. In addition, the system is organized as a hierarchy of abstractions. Various parts of such a system and system dynamics (using the Unix operating system as an example) are described. (JN)

Discusses the development and nature of computer software for intelligent systems, indicating that the key to intelligent problem-solving lies in reducing the random search for solutions. Formal reasoning methods, expert systems, and sources of power in problem-solving are among the areas considered. Specific examples of such software are…

Computer software for process control has the primary function of communicating with and governing physical devices. The structure of such software, process-control systems, multitask systems, message passing, problems of deadlock, distributed computer systems, and protection against failure in process-control systems are among the areas examined.…

Explains the conceptual background and potential use of the Self-Directed Search (SDS): Computer Version (CV), and discusses its relationship with the paper version. Operations, reports, technical aspects, and distinguishing characteristics of the SDS:CV are described. The SDS Main Menu is appended. (Author/NB)

Methods to make computer searching as simple and efficient as possible have led to the development of various data structures. Data structures specify the items involved in searching and what can be done to them. The nature and advantages of using "self-adjusting" data structures (self-adjusting binary search trees) are discussed. (JN)

Presents methodological considerations in developing an automatic cheap algorithm for computerized path diagraming, gives some plotted results, and describes a program which produces the plots from an input matrix of path coefficients on a standard line printer. The program accommodates unidirectional and reciprocal causation and represents…

Discusses the nature and development of computer software. Programing, programing languages, types of software (including dynamic spreadsheets), and software of the future are among the topics considered. (JN)

Descriptions of available microcomputer software cover basic software, word processing, database management systems, in-house information retrieval, searching of external online information retrieval systems, in-house library housekeeping, and financial and management software. Checklist of points to consider when acquiring software, 36…

Reviews two basic ways in which microcomputers are being used in school library media centers--administrative or management purposes (circulation control, budget planning, acquisitions processes, staff and student scheduling); and instructive purposes (library skills, drill and practice, problem solving, computer literacy). Three major types of…

Artificial intelligence techniques are used in computer programs to search out rapidly and retrieve information from very large databases. Programing advances have also led to the development of systems that provide expert consultation (expert systems). These systems, as applied to education, are the primary emphasis of this article. (LMO)

Creative uses of Apple II microcomputers in classrooms are described. Projects involved topics ranging across the curriculum, with many involving writing and most using AppleWorks software. (MNS)

Discusses the Geographic Information System (GIS) which can display information from a database in a geo-referenced map, the speed with which it can correlate many layers of information, the varied angles it can provide, and other images that it can rotate and transform. States benefits for the classroom including interdisciplinary applications…