Explains why principals' offices need computers and discusses the characteristics of inexpensive personal business computers, including their operating systems, disk drives, memory, and compactness. Reviews software available for word processing, accounting, database management, and communications, and compares the Kaypro II, Morrow, and Osborne I…

Describes a model for collegiate business education departments in teaching microcomputer applications. Describes the present and future microcomputer curriculum in the Department of Business Education and Administration at Utah State University and discusses the integration of the microcomputer at the secondary level. (JOW)

Describes a computer program (Applesoft Basic) which can determine: (1) day of the week; (2) days between dates; (3) day of the year; and (4) Julian Date. Includes a sample run of what this calendar program will do. (Author/JN)

Describes a computer program to help young children learn about the alphabet and about the location of alphabet keys on computer keyboards. Includes a complete program listing. (Author/JN)

Discusses three options for elementary or secondary schools buying microcomputers, including getting either a single comprehensive unit, several fully expandable units, or units with limited expandability. Notes advantages, disadvantages, and brand-name models available under each option. Presents a chart showing the features needed for six…

The 14 staff members of the University of Vermont's Academic Computing Center are responsible for operating computers used by more than 3,000 undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty members. This article describes the equipment presently in use and the plans for a future computer network. (Author/MLF)

At Clarke College (Iowa) a business office computer that will eventually form a college-wide system is being used in the admissions process, to send out financial statements, and to keep track of the budget. (Author/MLF)

Advances in factory computerization (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing) are reviewed, including discussions of robotics, human factors engineering, and the sociological impact of automation. (JN)

This article gives an overview of the new field of complexity theory which links computer science to mathematics, and ultimately to the solution of theoretical as well as practical problems in society and technology. (Author/MK)

Proposes that each elementary and secondary student, by 1990, should be offered an average of 30 minutes per day at a computer terminal. Examines the costs of this proposal and the barriers to its implementation. (Author/RW)

In suburban-rural Albemarle County (Virginia), computer assistance in evaluating manually-designed school bus routes helped increase efficiency in pupil transportation and reduce the number of routes, buses, and vacant seats. (RW)

Discusses using an Apple II microcomputer as a Laboratory Data System (LDS) for the analysis of data fed from a UV-Visible Spectrophotometer. (SK)

Describes a program in vegetable gardening developed by Purdue University specialists in horticulture and computer technology. This computer program offers residents of Indiana individual garden plans based on their own specifications. (CT)

Hull High School in suburban Boston (Massachusetts) is rated as one of the top 10 secondary schools in the country offering a computer education program. The same computers used by the students are shared by school officials for administrative tasks. (Author/MLF)

This issue focuses on word processing. This article discusses choosing a word processor. It is noted that the text base of most processors is of the standard letter of manuscript variety, and cautions the consumer to be aware of the limitations of these devices. (MP)