Discusses the design and limited uses of the Pascal, MS-DOS, CP/M, and PC-DOS operating systems as standard operating systems for 16-bit microprocessors, especially with the more sophisticated microcomputers currently being developed. Advantages and disadvantages of Unix--a multitasking, multiuser operating system--as a standard operating system…

Describes the computer field before the advent of CP/M (Control Program for Microcomputers), an operating system which facilitated compatibility between different computers. CP/M's functions and flaws and the advent of Apple DOS and UCSD Pascal, two additional widely used operating systems, and the significance of their development are also…

The author critically and thoroughly evaluates the text editing capabilities and performance of word processors and concludes that for programing applications MicroPro's WordMaster is the best software bargain around, with WordStar, Magic Wand, and Electric Pencil running behind. (KC)

Describes ways in which microcomputers will create an open society and discusses the impact on the microcomputer industry of: (1) CP/M (Control Program for Microcomputers); (2) IBM's Personal Computer; (3) the capability of programing in higher-level languages; and (4) the decline in cost of software. (MBR)