The trend in school computers is toward "networking"--software controlled by a teacher from a central computer linked to student terminals. Despite rising costs, publishers are trying to meet the market's needs for word processing and database software. Guides published by software evaluation groups are listed for contact. (CJH)

Discusses and provides addresses of major computer software catalogs for classroom computers. IBM's "Software for Education" is detailed and informative. Other catalogs are from K-12 MicroMedia and Minnesota Educational Computing Consortium (MECC). Suggestions on purchase of hardware are briefly reviewed. (CJH)

Approximately 435,000 personal computers (roughly 10% of all computers in K-12 education) are used for administrative work. Administrators find that four applications are proliferating: organizing information with database software; communicating with electronic mail and bulletin boards; enhancing presentations with graphics or multimedia…

By relying on new computer hardware and software, school food service departments can keep better records of daily food consumption, free and reduced-price meals, inventory, production, and other essentials. The most commonly used systems fall into two basic categories: point-of-sale computers and behind-the-counter systems. State funding efforts…

Expert systems offer school possibilities beyond relieving employees of routine work. In the future, expert systems will become tools for budgeting, staff training, and teaching. Describes a system developed at Utah State University, "Mandate Consultant," that helps school staff review the legally mandated steps in developing individualized…

When purchasing a computer system that will handle both administrative and instructional needs, school executives need to know the ability of the hardware and software to do the job, and the level of vendor support available after the computer has been installed. Lists 14 questions to assess the vendor's commitment and continuing support. (MLF)