A campus computer center at Hofstra University (New York) that holds 70 terminals for student use was first a gymnasium, then a language laboratory. Strands of fiber optics are used for the necessary wiring. (MLF)

Graphical User Interface (GUI)--and its variant, pen computing--is rapidly replacing older types of operating environments. Despite its heavier demand for processing power, GUI has many advantages. (SK)

Computer software for process control has the primary function of communicating with and governing physical devices. The structure of such software, process-control systems, multitask systems, message passing, problems of deadlock, distributed computer systems, and protection against failure in process-control systems are among the areas examined.…

Describes uses of the microcomputer by Instant Information, Inc., highlighting administrative tasks (accounting, correspondence, file maintenance) and microcomputer's ability to act as dumb terminal in information retrieval. Software selection, the company's computer program "Instantcom" which supports communication and retrieval, and…

The Apple game port has two types of inputs: the paddle input and the button input. Scientific applications of these input-output units are discussed, examining analog inputs (potentiometers, thermistors, and photoresistors), single bit digital inputs, and single-bit outputs. (JN)

Students using microcomputers for extensive periods of time are prone to the same problems as those experienced by video display terminal operators. Suggested guidelines include adjustable furniture and equipment, avoidance of eye strain, control of screen brightness and contrast, and specially prescribed glasses. (MLF)

Presents information on interfacing microcomputers for scientific users of S-100, TRS-80, PET, and Apple microcomputers, including device-select pulses, programing considerations, data input, data output, and power supplies. (JN)

Description of a microcomputer-based system for local processing of interlibrary loan (ILL) requests developed at Environmental Protection Agency library discusses database management systems, hardware, databases, and command files. Subsequent changes resulting from system's implementation at East Carolina University Health Sciences Library are…

Discusses the applications of microcomputers in education, the available hardware, peripheral equipment, costs, user training, software, management considerations, and implications for the future. Twenty-nine references are cited. (FM)

A discussion on the impact of the information explosion on society provides the context for this paper's examination of procedures for designing the first stage of a systematic plan to incorporate computer technologies in elementary and secondary schools. Based on the rationale that a computer literate faculty must be available to make decisions…

Clarifies often misconstrued distinctions with regard to microcomputers, minicomputers, and maxicomputers. Criteria for educational use of microcomputers are examined, including its potential for language and peripheral expansion, and its communication capabilities. (MER)

Defines in general terms the nature of computers, describes the various types of computers, discusses the characteristics and applications of the types of computers mentioned, reviews some basic facts about computer technology and computer hardware, and outlines a set of options for libraries considering acquiring a computer system. (JL)

Microprocessor-based student experiments are described, including flowcharts of a typical program for time interval measurement and experimental and measurement subroutines. (JN)

The interconnection between personal computers and other personal, mini, or mainframe computer systems is discussed. The following topics relevant to college personnel are addressed: hardware techniques for tying computers together, advantages and disadvantages of available software, the prospects for sophisticated micro/mainframe links with major…

This report describes a project which commenced in 1980 at the Open University in England, the object of which was to provide blind Open University undergraduate students with home-based computing facilities through the use of low-cost commercially available microcomputers and speech synthesizers. The development of computer programs that…