To help users develop a long-term strategy for software acquisition, this article outlines two rules: (1) "Know exactly the nature of the problem you want to solve"; and (2) "If you can't try it, don't buy it." Use the sharpest precision software tool you can find to solve your problem and keep a constant look out for something…

Examines roles technical communicators play in designing and developing information systems, especially online help. Surveys technical communicators, developers, and users. Finds users of systems for which the online help was written by a technical communicator used the online help more often and rated the quality of that help higher. Discusses…

This special section includes "The View from the Middle" (Dick Schaaf); "Crossing the Channel" (Dawn Garrett); and "Bandwidth Basics" (Dick Schaaf). Sidebars look at bandwidth and management issues as well as courseware development. (JOW)

Discusses situations that are ready for the formation of a learning community and suggests that virtual learning might be the answer. Offers a case study of a software-development company and explains how to set up elements on an intranet. Includes marketing tips for promoting the new learning community. (JOW)

Describes a method of designing educational technology that is strongly informed by empirical studies of how students actually understand and use technology. Discusses what students need to know about software. (Author/CCM)

Describes the MINISIZE 2 computer program, which permits the user to determine the effect size and the minimum sample size needed so that results of a given analysis will be statistically significant. Explains the program's operation and provides examples. (SLD)

Study determines the extent to which counselors in Kentucky schools have adopted computers. The rate at which computer technology is growing is making their effective use difficult and expensive because older models lack the ability to run programs designed for counseling-related applications. Computers represent a resource that is not being used…

Argues that defining design and copy styles helps ensure consistency for the reader (which is the key to readability) and also make life easier for the designer. Discusses several steps to defining styles within various software. Notes that complexity is also possible with styles. (SR)

Discusses how libraries can gather data on the use of their Web sites. Highlights include Web server log files, including the common log file, referrer log file, and agent log file; log file limitations; privacy concerns; and choosing log analysis software, both free and commercial. (LRW)

Describes the efforts at Boston Public Library to recover from serious flooding that damaged computer equipment. Discusses vendor help in assessing the damage; the loss of installation disks; hiring consultants to help with financial matters; effects on staff; repairing and replacing damaged equipment; insurance issues; and disaster recovery…

Evaluates "Editor," arguably the most sophisticated grammar and style checker. Tests its effectiveness by using samples from one student and one published writer. Finds that "Editor" is limited to identifying problems in surface structure and that it sometimes identifies "errors" which are not errors while failing to…

Outlines a six-step process that allows computer operators, using Photoshop software, to create "knock-outs" to precisely define the path that will serve to separate the object from the background. (SR)

Argues that online help systems are often not helpful and even increase the user's frustration and stress level. States that an instructional design perspective can increase the effectiveness of online help systems, and offers a checklist. Examines the instructional components of the checklist and identifies ways they could be added to an online…

Provides a list of companies that offer commercial library software and describes the systems and tools they offer. Integrated library systems, networking systems, bibliographic software, and other library applications are included. (LRW)

Provides an update to the list of companies that offer commercial library software and describes the systems and tools they offer. Integrated library systems, networking systems, bibliographic software, and other library applications are included. (LRW)