Comparison of dot matrix impact printers details price, matrix density, speed, print sizes, feed width, interface connectors, and true descender characteristics. Dot matrix versus preformed characters, maintenance and repair, installing printers at microcomputer workstations, value comparisons, and descriptions of specific printers are…

Discusses advantages of monitors (television sets without circuitry to receive pictures off the air; in consumer electronics, term refers to units with or without speakers and/or with or without tuners), noting resolution (details of picture measured in lines), audio possibilities, and industrial/educational monitors. Examples of currently…

Briefly discusses the functions of microcomputer storage devices, printers, plotters, modems, speech devices, light pens, and touch panels. Capabilities of peripherals in various price ranges are compared to assist the personal computer owner in selecting devices appropriate to his needs. (MBR)

Details distinction between digital and analog data, advantages of analog storage, and optical disc use to store analog data. Configuration and potential of three levels of laser disc systems are explained. Selection of display devices for use with laser disc systems and accessing audio data are addressed. (Continued in next issue.) (EJS)

The Faxon Company has developed a user-friendly, menu-driven database that includes all serial titles from every subject area announced within the past three years. Accessible by ASCII terminals and personal computers, INFOSERV is available through Telenet and provides a brief bibliographic description together with availability information for…

Review of text processing software for microcomputers covers data entry, text editing, document formatting, and spelling and proofreading programs including "Wordstar,""PeachText,""PerfectWriter,""Select," and "The Word Plus.""The Whole Earth Software Catalog" and a new terminal to be…

Reviews features of front-end software packages (interface between user and online system)--database selection, search strategy development, saving and downloading, hardware and software requirements, training and documentation, online systems and database accession, and costs--and discusses gateway services (user searches through intermediary…

These summaries have been compiled to assist users in selecting terminals for use with the National Library of Medicine (NLM) on-line systems. The summaries describe the salient characteristics and approximate prices of a large number of hard copy and display devices. Many of the terminals listed may be modified by the addition of various options…

A tutorial introduction to the evaluation of communications software (enables microcomputer to function as terminal for purposes of communicating with remote device) covers computing hardware, modems, installation and operation, file transfers, printer controls, unattended reception, terminal emulation, documentation, and price. Detailed reviews…

Provides general overview of most popular microcomputer hardware (tape cassette-based, cartridge-based, disk-based) noting display, keyboard, system characteristics, and price. Discussion of available educational software includes commercial publishers, nonprofit educational agencies, free or low-cost software, and authoring languages and test…

Four information retrieval packages that run on single user microcomputers--CAIRS, INMAGIC, Sci-Mate, SIRE--are examined based on following criteria: storage requirements; hardware requirements; search features (Boolean logic, comparison searching, set building, truncation, and wild card characters); system output; security; system maintenance…

Addresses the problems of unsuitable physical layout of the visual display terminal, keyboard, and document holder and improperly selected office furniture by discussing a group of office products dubbed "computer furniture," i.e., terminal tables and furniture for peripherals. Purchasing advice is included. (EJS)

Summarizes types of machine access available for users of Chemical Abstracts Online, a database which can accept and print out graphics images of chemical compounds. The use of Tektronix terminals, capabilities and limitations of other types of graphic termials and microcomputers, and estimated costs are noted. (EJS)

This checklist based on an earlier version (1980) relates specifically to cathode ray tube and other visual display terminals (VDTs) and also applies to personal computers. Highlights include changes in VDTs, selecting a VDT (evaluate needs, survey market, observe and use, talk to users), and screen and keyboard characteristics. (EJS)

Presents the options and limitations available in microcomputer-based graphic systems. Factors that must be considered when selecting a system--resolution, color, video-compatibility, and cost--and the relationship between these factors are discussed. (MBR)