This digest describes and defines the various components of an expert system, e.g., a computerized tool designed to enhance the quality and availability of knowledge required by decision makers. It is noted that expert systems differ from conventional applications software in the following areas: (1) the existence of the expert systems shell, or…

This study examines the integration of heterogeneous bibliographic information resources from geographically distributed locations in an automated, unified, and controlled way using abstract data types called "classes" through the Message-Object Model defined in Smalltalk-80 software. The concept of achieving data consistency by…

This self-paced workbook presents basic information about features of the "AppleWorks" software package, provides practice materials for beginners, discusses features available in an integrated three-application package, and provides guided hands-on activities. The applications include the spreadsheet, the word processor, printer options…

Information is provided on the data sources and tools used in-house at the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems (NCHEMS). The objective of the guide is to serve as a central resource for the various data management and analysis activities of NCHEMS. Summaries are provided of NCHEMS information and analytic resources including…

This manual is a "how to" training device for developing spreadsheet files in the AppleWorks program using an Apple IIe or Apple IIGS Computer with a single disk drive. The manual provides step-by-step directions, and includes 36 figures depicting the computer screen at the various stages of the spreadsheet development sequence. (EW)

Discussion of issues in management of library automation includes: (1) hardware, including systems growth and contracts; (2) software changes, vendor relations, local systems, and microcomputer software; (3) item and authority databases; (4) automation and library staff, organizational structure, and managing change; and (5) environmental issues,…

Describes hypertext, a significantly different form of data retrieval, and gives an example of how it might be used in computer-based training. Hypertext software is discussed, including TextPro and KnowledgePro; the relationship between hypertext and expert systems is explored; and a hypertext document, PC-Hypertext, is described. (LRW)

This issue discusses the relevance of microcomputers to evaluation research and program evaluation. The relevance of software designed to aid in making decisions, establishing relations through statistical analysis, and gathering information is emphasized. The relevance of hardware, word processing, and teaching is also discussed. (BS)

The market availability of optical storage technology will radically change the nature of information distribution, especially by reducing the high cost of mass data storage. The three general classes of optical storage are: (1) mass-produced read-only storage, (2) write-once storage, and (3) erasable optical storage. (CDD)

Reviews Oregon State University Communication Media Center's experiences in designing, developing, and using a computerized scheduling system to help with the center's operation. Description includes purposes for developing the system, creation of the system using a commercial database management software package, and the five menus used in the…

Description of a general purpose microcomputer database management package covers assist and program mode; performance (set-up and loading, data entry, editing, ease of use, report generators, data manipulation, searching a database, file handling utilities, user interface, memo fields, date operations, multi-file processing, command files, error…

Reviews the functions that should be included in an analytical workstation. Also discusses the common data file structures and the techniques of data interchange between software modules and presents a brief overview of commercial products and their interfacing characteristics. These software include word processors, spreadsheets, database…

Business Computer Network (BCN) employs automatic calling and logon, multiple database access, disk search capture, and search assistance interfaces to provide single access to 15 online services. Telecommunications software (SuperScout) used to reach BCN and participating online services offers storage and message options and is accompanied by…

Reviews and compares "Sci-Mate,""Reference Manager," and "BIBLIOPHILE" software packages used for storage and retrieval tasks involving bibliographic data. Each program handles search tasks well; major differences are in the amount of flexibility in customizing the database structure, their import and export…

Discusses several ways computers, software, and peripheral equipment may aid in teaching dyslexic children to read, i.e., using voice synthesizers and speech software; employing human readers to translate what's on the screen; utilizing word processing functions; using microcomputers to control tape recorders; and utilizing "creativity…