Discussion of the history and development of artificial intelligence (AI) highlights a bibliography of introductory books on various aspects of AI, including AI programing; problem solving; automated reasoning; game playing; natural language; expert systems; machine learning; robotics and vision; critics of AI; and representative software. (LRW)

Discusses flaws in the Apple IIe Applesoft random number generator, RND, and reports results of frequency and serial correlation tests of the generator. Suggestions of seeds that yield sequences of numbers which pass fundamental screening tests for randomness are presented. (Author/LRW)

Description of training programs for using business applications software highlights implementing programs for Lotus 1-2-3 and dBASE III Plus. The amount of computer experience of the users and the difference in training methods needed are discussed, and the use of a Macintosh computer for producing notes is explained. (LRW)

Analyzes some of the ethical issues relating to the illegal use of computer software and presents empirical evidence suggesting the nature and scope of the problem. Types of software are explained, including freeware and shareware; the current ethical and legal situation is described; a moral analysis is discussed; problems of rationalization are…

Uses a prototype decision problem to demonstrate usefulness of an electronic spreadsheet in analyzing decision trees and performing other types of decision analysis. Advantages and disadvantages of implementing operations research/management science models on electronic spreadsheets are discussed and some do's and don't's are suggested. (Author)

Describes a procedure for using commonly available database management systems to produce indexes on microcomputers. Production steps discussed include creation of the database, data entry, database sort, formatting, and editing. (Author/MBR)

Presents methods for preparing technical documents on microcomputers by modifying WordStar and using inexpensive software to create scientific symbols and other characters needed. Procedures are described for use with a Zenith A-100 microcomputer and an Epson FX dot matrix printer, and may be adapted for other configurations. (LRW)

Discusses an algorithm for developing problem solving simulations using microcomputers, and describes both the components of the simulation algorithm and the user interface. Examples of simulation and programming methods are presented. (MBR)

Explains how a microcomputer and a word processor can be utilized to keep teachers' records and presents a brief BASIC word processing program called SCRIPSIT to show how grades can be calculated from those records. Possible program modifications and how to construct the SCRIPSIT file are discussed. (MBR)

Discussion of software security in university computer laboratories focuses on the causes of computer viruses. Possible ways to detect an infected disk are described; strategies for professors, students, and computer personnel to eradicate the spread of a computer virus are proposed; and two resources for further information are given. (LRW)

Comparison of three microcomputer statistical packages, SPSS, SAS, and BMDP, focuses on ease of use, ease of learning, documentation, accuracy, similarity to the mainframe version, and speed. The results of eight statistical multivariate analyses used to evaluate their performance are given. (LRW)

Describes strategies for providing low-cost microcomputer-based software for classroom use on college campuses. Highlights include descriptions of the software (IUWare and Computing Tools); computing center support; license policies; documentation; promotion; distribution; staff, faculty, and user training; problems; and future plans. (LRW)

Discussion of current applications of artificial intelligence (AI) to writing focuses on how to represent knowledge of the writing process in a way that links procedural knowledge to other types of knowledge. A model is proposed that integrates the subtasks of writing into the process of writing itself. (15 references) (LRW)

Ten different methods of using computer administered tests in college level biology are described: evaluation (or posttest), student self-evaluation, student self-remediation, class remediation, individual student remediation, pretesting, identification of problem areas, immediate feedback, group testing, and remote site testing. (Author/MBR)

Preparation of adventure games for educational purposes is discussed with regard to program structure and educational advantage. Two educational games are described, PILOT and BASIC are compared as languages for beginning programmers, an outline of one program structure and word-handling routines are presented, and educational goals and benefits…