Describes the uses of Lotus 1-2-3 (a spreadsheet-graphics-database program created by Lotus Development Corporation) and Symphony 1.1 (a refinement and expansion of Symphony 1.01 providing memory efficiency, speed, ease of use, greater file compatibility). Spreadsheet and graphics capabilities, the use of windows, database environment, and…

Reviews the background of the "TARGET Project for Aids to Translation," its current facilities, and its goals. Describes the system's central feature as an interactive, multilingual terminology database intended to eliminate time wasted in researching unknown terms and to facilitate final document production, study of person-machine…

Investigates the influence of display rate and viewing field on student-machine interaction in CAI. It was shown that these variables exert an influence upon the student's interaction with a tutorial CAI program and that planners should be aware of this interaction. (RAO)

Review of computer software offering text editing/processing capabilities highlights work habits, elements of computer style and composition, buffers, the CRT, line- and screen-oriented text editors, video attributes, "swapping,""cache" memory, "disk emulators," text editing versus text processing, and UNIX operating…

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…

Describes INVIDO (systeme d' INformations VIsuelles a DOmicile), a graphical tool which was designed and implemented for studying user reactions to the various types of graphic information displays used by videotex systems. Sample display illustrations included depict weather forecasts and sports and lottery results. (Author/JL)

Describes the features and operations of a user-searchable online catalog called PaperChase which was developed and implemented for the retrieval of medical literature by physicians at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston. Interaction with the system and use of the catalog during its first year of operation are discussed. (JL)

Discusses the importance of skillful visual design of computer screens and provides guidelines for screen design in the areas of information resolution, interaction of design elements, color, and typography and icons. (MES)

Describes the sixth Nebraska Videodisc Symposium (September 30-October 3, 1985). This convocation of interactive video programs and professionals included Nebraska Awards (Best Consumer Achievement, Best Educational Achievement, Best Data Bank Achievement, Best Industrial Training Achievement, Best Overall Achievement, Special Recognition);…

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…

Proposes a single underlying structure for the production of a variety of computer index displays, using a networking system which represents both concepts and links by nodes. Desirable characteristics of index displays are outlined, and algorithmic extraction of subnetworks for local use is discussed. References are included. (Author/BK)

Describes the experience acquired in a large industrial translation facility and the problems encountered in high-quality translation of scientific and technological texts. The inadequacies of fully automatic translating systems are specifically discussed, as well as the use of terminology data banks for machine supported human translating. (MES)

Identifies human factor issues involved in the student-computer interface in computer assisted instruction and makes specific recommendations for screen design. Factors considered include simplicity, spaciousness, relevance, standardization, changing display screen contents, color coding, shape and size coding, and brightness coding. (Author/LRW)

Explores the pros and cons of various computer menu layouts to be used with computer-assisted learning media. The importance of designing a screen menu that takes into consideration the student's learning style is emphasized. (Author/LRW)

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…