Business education in universities should include training in microcomputer-based information acquisition techniques. This paper describes some of the recent advances in the field of electronic data retrieval, assesses advantages and disadvantages, and offers suggestions for incorporating electronic data retrieval exercises into business classes.…

Describes Photo CD Portfolio, an Eastman Kodak product that provides interactive multimedia CD-ROM production capability. The article focuses on the capabilities of the tool's simplest authoring system, Create It, which allows users to work with Photo CD, PICT, or TIFF images, add graphics, text and audio, and create menus with branching. (KRN)

Explains the COLD (Computer Output Laser Disk) system and describes current applications. Use of the COLD system to replace COM (Computer Output Microfilm) is discussed; advantages and disadvantages of the COLD system are considered; optical disks OD-WORM (Optical Disk-Write Once Read Many) versus CD-ROM are compared; and equipment and software…

Provides information on recording technologies such as laser disks, audio and videotape, and video cameras. Presents a design brief that includes objectives, student outcomes, and a student quiz. (JOW)

Discusses recordable digital video discs (DVD-R), highlighting technology, comparing DVD-R and recordable compact discs (CD-R); expected life of media; compatibility; recording process; recording time; applications: testing and development, distribution, storage and archival; and future developments. (PEN)

Discusses online music courses and examines technology that enables listening to music in distance education settings. Highlights include CDs; streaming techniques; Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDIfiles); problems with technology breakdowns; live performances presented over compressed video; asynchronous transfer mode; and a list of…

What's the worst thing that can happen to your computer? Worse than a hard disk crash, virus infection, spam assault, denial-of-service attack, hacker take-over, fire, flood, or other human, mechanical or natural disaster is a faulty backup when you really need it. If the computer blows up, as long as your data is backed up securely, you can…

This guide provides information on many aspects of CD-ROM development. Storage requirements of multimedia applications such as graphic images, audio, video, and animation are provided in section one. Storage capacity, transfer rate, and access time are the three criteria used to judge various storage media. In section two, specifications for these…

This brief guide lists sources to aid an individual in pursuing the study of optical disk technology through a review of the literature in the collections of the Library of Congress. The materials and search aids are listed under 14 headings: (1) Introductions to the Topic; (2) Subject Headings (Library of Congress subject headings under which…

Describes a number of different frames of reference through which educators can look at the opportunity presented by compact-disc interactive (CD-I) technology, and proposes general guidelines to help them begin thinking about a more creative role as prospective authors of CD-I materials. (MES)

Urges schools to adopt laser videodiscs for their cost, durability, and usability advantages over film, a mechanical, outdated medium. Recommends specific videodisc titles for school libraries and classroom use. Describes computer-assisted videodisc instruction applications (including image processing) and dispels some common misconceptions about…

Describes the origins of hypertext and reviews the history of the concept of nonsequential access to information that led to hypertext. Technological developments that have been combined with hypertext are discussed, including workstations, video and laser disk technology, and microcomputers; and library applications of hypertext and hypermedia…

This annual directory includes names, addresses, and telephone numbers of major firms involved in the optical information field. Four major product groupings are represented: (1) interactive video; (2) WORM and erasable optical disks; (3) CD-ROM technologies; and (4) optical memory cards. An overview of the past year's developments in this field…

Describes the development of a national teleconference on CD-ROM technology for two-year college librarians. Highlights the following steps in planning: endorsement by professional associations, selection of a moderator, publicity and promotion, registration, and development of instructional and site training packets. Reports on teleconference…

A new technological phenomenon known as "hypermedia" or "interactive multimedia" allows the learner to be in control and to access a variety of media with a computer. Advances in information storage technology have placed libraries of documents, sounds, and video and graphic images on laser discs. (MLF)