This buyer's guide to seven major types of statistics software packages for microcomputers reviews Edu-Ware Statistics 3.0; Financial Planning; Speed Stat; Statistics with DAISY; Human Systems Dynamics package of Stats Plus, ANOVA II, and REGRESS II; Maxistat; and Moore-Barnes' MBC Test Construction and MBC Correlation. (MBR)

Discusses the selection and purchase of microcomputer software, recommending that buyers beware of free or undemonstrated software, buy computer programs written in assembly language, and evaluate the company as well as the software. A software evaluation checklist is included. (JJD)

This resource directory provides brief evaluative descriptions of six popular home computers and lists selected sources of educational software, computer books, and magazines. For a related article on microcomputers in the schools, see p53-58 of this journal issue. (SJL)

Suggests practical measures for evaluating computer hardware. (JL)

Outlines the major questions which should be considered by an individual purchasing commercially packaged software for use on a personal computer. (JL)

Considerations to be taken into account before buying a home computer include one's attitude toward computers, need, cost, and available space. A personal computer can be beneficial as a tutor, entertainer, record-keeper, and aid to the handicapped. Home economists must attempt to understand the implications of home computers for family life. (JOW)

Description of "Decision-Analyst," microcomputer software tool designed to analyze complex decisions involving many alternatives, highlights step-by-step approach, documentation, microcomputer requirements, and purchasing information. Two microcomputer users' groups (Apple Computer, Microcomputer Users Group for Libraries in North…

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…

Discusses the various factors involved in the selection of a satisfactory and flexible microcomputer system, with emphasis on the limited technological sophistication of current models produced by Apple, Radio Shack, and others. Disk operating systems, questions of intersystem compatibility, and the future of microprocessor chip technology are…

Recounts some of the problems encountered in the use of an Osborne-1 microcomputer for personal purposes by a computing veteran, describes some of the shortcomings of the sales system for microcomputers as it presently exists, and makes some conjectures concerning the impact of those shortcomings on the personal computer industry. (JL)

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)

Describes floppy disk information storage systems and discusses capabilities and advantages of floppy disks for microcomputer users. The functions of disk operating systems (DOS) are reviewed and the effect of DOS formats on the choice of an appropriate disk drive system is outlined. (JL)

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

In-house library databases or "private files" (online catalog, library-created indexes, citations to journal literature) are discussed, focusing on computer software directories, periodicals, general directories, and online directories as sources for information on computer software. (EJS)

An overview of what is available in energy management systems, tips for writing specifications, and pitfalls to avoid. (MLF)