Beginning on the cover, this article suggests school administrators can reduce paperwork burdens by using personal computers along with general software programs. Describes general programs--such as word processing, item bank, electronic worksheet, and database management programs--and discusses their applications and gives tips for buying and…

Six school administrators and computer users give advice on coping with microcomputer software problems. Suggestions include contacting other software users, sampling computer programs or watching software demonstrations before buying, and ensuring adequate program documentation. (RW)

A computer program that utilizes an optical scanning machine is used for ordering supplies in a Louisiana school system. The program provides savings in time and labor, more accurate data, and easy-to-use reports. (Author/MLF)

A step-by-step guide to setting up an inventory control system that works. (Author)

Questions to ask concerning microcomputer software to be used for school business management. (MLF)

Provides a checklist for helping educators estimate the costs of purchasing computers and maintaining a computer program. (MP)

This list of 13 catalog mail-order software distributors notes companies which provide an opportunity to use courseware at school sites on-approval, sell instructional courseware produced by several publishers, and screen the courseware listed in their catalogs. Journals and newsletters which provide evaluations of courseware are also listed. (EJS)

Survey of educational computer software producers regarding their concern about illegal duplication of their programs by consumers reveals that majority of producers are willing to negotiate special prices for multiple copies, and few software producers are willing to allow schools to preview products. Questionnaire results and five references are…

Offers guidelines for successfully selecting computer software, integrating it into the school operation, and training personnel. (MLF)

Once a school has decided to invest in computers, many other decisions must be made. Considerations should include cost, technical requirements, and standard, upgraded, and "dream" features. Recommendations that can be used as helpful guidelines are presented. (CJ)

Continued from the front cover, this article offers suggestions about selecting and purchasing microcomputers and software for schools. (WD)

The first article in a three-part series to help purchasers obtain the best computer software for their budgets tells how to define requirements before soliciting bids for software. (Author/MLF)

The second article in a series of three to help purchasers obtain the best computer programs for their budgets, deals with bid solicitation and software evaluation. The first article appeared in the July 1981 issue. (Author/MLF)

Guidelines for selecting/buying educational software are discussed under the following headings: educational soundness; appropriateness; challenge and progress; motivation and reward; correctness; compatibility with systems; instructions and handlings. Includes several sources of software reviews. (JN)

The last section of a three-part series deals with computer hardware requirements, program installation, and evaluation techniques. The first two parts appeared in the July and September 1981 issues. (Author/MLF)