Over the last four decades, electronic games have profoundly changed the way people play, learn, and connect with each other. Despite the tremendous impact of electronic games, however, until recently, relatively few programs existed to preserve them for future generations of players and researchers. Recognizing the need to save the original…

Discusses basic features and functions of spreadsheet programs and describes additional capabilities (editing, windowing, graphics, and word processing) of two second-generation spreadsheet programs: Lotus 1-2-3 and Symphony. (MBR)

Reviews current technologies for electronic imaging and its recording and transmission, including digital recording, optical data disks, automated image-delivery micrographics, high-density-magnetic recording, and new developments in telecommunications and computers. The role of the document automation systems integrator, who will bring these…

Examines design functions of present file organizations in the context of available data storage devices and identifies current developmental trends. (Author/RAA)

Describes the optical digital disk, which stores machine-readable information in digitized form, and discusses their production, cost, present and future applications. The major companies currently active in the disk field are noted. (MBR)

Investigates applicability of inverted file processing in magnetic bubble memories by presenting four magnetic bubble memory models as storage mediums: one based on a major-minor loop configuration; one utilizing a decoder design on a magnetic bubble memory chip; and two based on different structural configurations of the first two. (MBR)

Addresses single-user microcomputer systems and information processing applications normally performed through use of data management, spreadsheet, word processing, business graphics, and communications software. Both hardware and software considerations are included with an emphasis on hardware once appropriate application software-level packages…

Review of similarities and differences between magnetic-based and optical disk drives includes a discussion of the electronics necessary for their operation; describes benefits, possible applications, and future trends in development of laser-based drives; and lists manufacturers of laser optical disk drives. (MBR)

The plasma panel has potential as a computer output display device; and when perfected, may even be suitable for commercial television. In its normal operation the plasma panel exhibits a bistable range in which the cells can exist in either of two stable modes. The "on" state results from a discharge every cycle, and the "off"…

Discusses factors converging to create high-capacity, low-cost nature of next generation of microcomputers: a coherent vision of what graphics workstation and future computing environment should be like; hardware developments leading to greater storage capacity at lower costs; and development of software and expertise to exploit computing power…

AREAS INVESTIGATED INCLUDE SLOW MEMORY DATA STORAGE, THE PROBLEM OF DECODING FROM AN INDEX TO A SLOW MEMORY ADDRESS, THE STRUCTURE OF DATA LISTS AND DATA LIST OPERATORS, COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN THE HUMAN USER AND THE SYSTEM, PROCESSING OF RETRIEVAL REQUESTS, AND THE USER'S CONTROL OVER THE RETURN OF INFORMATION RETRIEVED. LINEAR, LINKED AND…

Focusing primarily on hard disks, this report describes the choices currently available; explains the inner workings of hard-disk technology; lists 70 leading hard-disk products with their costs and capabilities; describes a new type of high-capacity drive; and compares speed, cost, and reliability of a number of widely used hard-disk backup…

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)

Reports on the state of currently available digital storage and retrieval systems and describes in detail one-sided optical videodisc LaserData and the Mnemos system, which stores graphic images on microfiche discs. Video Patsearch, Matrox, Philips Megadoc, DEMAND, and Digital Recording Corporation's optical digital records and future videodisc…

Within the context of a large computer-based instructional system (CBI), the Air Forces Advanced Instructional System, instructional needs and requirements are evaluated as determinants of computer terminal design. It is shown that traditional definitions and uses of computer managed instruction (CMI) and computer assisted instruction (CAI) must…