A light box is an apparatus designed to show the logical states of the User Port Pins of a PET microcomputer. Details of this aspect of computer studies are provided to introduce students to the possibilities of microprocessor control. Details of PET User Port interface and sample programs are included. (Author/JN)

Some aspects of animation that are on the Apple-microcomputer are presented. Shape tables are described and several programs that illustrate important concepts are included. The concept of animation is viewed as being very simple and the process is clearly detailed. (MP)

Describes the hardware, software, applications, and current proliferation of personal computers (microcomputers). Includes discussions of microprocessors, memory, output (including printers), application programs, the microcomputer industry, and major microcomputer manufacturers (Apple, Radio Shack, Commodore, and IBM). (JN)

Ten computer languages are compared and contrasted. A series of programs focusing on the average of two numbers are designed to point out differences in console input, console output, and common arithmetic. (MP)

PILOT is the generic name of a programing language suited for authoring/executing CAI educational programing. The strengths/weaknesses of TRS-80 MicroPilot (formerly Pilot Plus) and differences between Micropilot and Basic and CAI courseware authoring languages are discussed. Major strength is efficiency for educational/interactive programing with…

Discusses five approaches used by industry/colleges to provide local area network (LAN) capabilities in the analytical laboratory: (1) mixed baseband bus network coupled to a star net; (2) broadband bus network; (3) ring network; (4) star network coupled to broadband net; and (5) simple multiprocessor center. Part I (September issue) focused on…

The nature of many computerized community bulletin boards is described. A system called Communitree is profiled as a version with many distinct advantages over generic bulletin board systems. It is felt that their strong points are carefully orchestrated details, and their weak points are intelligent compromises. (MP)

Suggests practical measures for evaluating computer hardware. (JL)

This column is designed to share BASIC sub-programs and to show how subroutines and function subprograms may be used to simplify and organize BASIC programing. The yes-no function is defined and programs presented, followed by the multiple-branch function and adding a HELP feature. (MNS)

Discussed is the nature of and the importance of effective documentation in computer programing. (TG)

The current status of information utilities that are designed to hook into personal computers by telephone is reviewed. The companies, features, and problems associated with these growing services are detailed. The services provided by these utilities are viewed as substantial enough to be worthwhile to many personal computer users. (MP)

Computers are changing the lives of millions of people, but schools are still not producing many computer literate students. Rapid improvements in hardware technology and major progress in the development of software have put computers within reach of everyone. Computer literacy must now be treated as a functional tool similar to reading, writing,…

Discusses various issues related to training individuals to use microcomputers, a neglected aspect of the personal computer industry. Several methods used to solve training problems and training software are considered. (JN)

Describes various instructional materials designed to teach computer programing. These materials (primarily for the Apple II microcomputer) include books, teaching packages, videotapes, audiocassette tapes, and computer media (including programs loaded from cassettes and disks). Information on classroom packages, writing software, and selecting an…

Presents test cases to adequately test the "triangle program" described in part 1 (appearing in volume 42 of this journal). Discusses test case design and design techniques, differentiating between testing (showing that errors present) and debugging (finding where/what errors are and correcting them). Suggests testing be incorporated into…