Past problems encountered in the use of computers are discussed. They include: (1) computing and data storage costs; (2) machine speed and capacity limitations; and (3) the limited number of languages and Input/Output devices available to facilitate man/machine communication. The improvements in all of these areas are explained. The problems which…

TRIAL is an information processing system that will perform editing, indexing, and retrieval of textual and certain types of numeric information. The system allows for: (1) the creation and maintenance of a master file, (2) indexing on words designated as 'key' words or, alternatively, on every word in the text, excluding those common terms that…

Although the indispensibility of access control mechanisms in data secure systems has been recognized, there is a need for more subtle protection and refined control mechanisms. This report describes context protection mechanisms which enable the same data unit to be protected differently in different contexts, the differences being determined by…

Three projects, each covering certain selected aspects of a potential information storage and retrieval system, were part of a study by the Ontario Educational Communications Authority (OECA) to explore various means for extending the usefulness of audiovisual materials. Project Dataset began the collection, classification, and cataloging of…

The Information Sciences section of ITT Research Institute (IITRI) has developed a Computer Search Center and is currently conducting a research project to explore computer searching of a variety of machine-readable data bases. The Center provides Selective Dissemination of Information services to academic, industrial and research organizations…

This description of software development for the 1970 Survey of Compensatory Education analysis contract is presented in three sections: (1) specifications for data and output, (2) descriptions of the programs written, and (3) problems encountered while processing the data. The section on Specifications contains the description of the data to be…

The Mechanized Information Center (MIC) at Ohio State University conducts retrospective and current awareness searches using data bases for agriculture, chemistry, education, psychology, and social sciences, as well as a multidisciplinary data base. Described in the report are the history and background of MIC, the data bases, information…

Paper presented at the Second International Conference on Linguistics and Translation, October 4-7, 1972, Montreal, Canada. (DD)

Describes new microcomputer software and hardware which simplify data communications between computer systems. "Dumb" terminal software, programs which enhance a computer's data communications flexibility by means of character translation and data buffering, stand-alone versus integrated systems, and "smart" modems are…

Discusses computer applications to school administration tasks, in particular word processing, computations, and data base management systems. Advantages and disadvantages of program software and a chart containing an overview of application programs available are included. (JJD)

Describes three current two-way public information systems representing the major technologies which are being proposed as international standards: Prestel (United Kingdom), Teletel (France), and Telidon (Canada). Information retrieval structures are compared, and difficulties for both the information provider and the information user are…

The Computer Assisted Reference Locator (CARL) is a computer-based information retrieval system which uses coordinate indexing. Objectives established in designing the system are: (1) simplicity of reference query and retrieval; (2) ease of system maintenance; and (3) adaptability for alternative computer systems. The source documents input into…

This basic introduction to microcomputers provides the neophyte with the terminology, definitions, and concepts that explain the microcomputer and computing technology in general. Mathematical operations with binary numbers, computer storage, controlling logic, and the concepts of stack and interrupt are explained. (RAO)

This document describes the development of the PLATO system, and six figures illustrate the chronological development of PLATO terminals, lesson programing languages, instructional material, and system usage. A list of financial supporters of PLATO and the Computer-based Educational Research Laboratory is followed by a chronological listing of…

Computers have been used in a variety of applications for athletics since the late 1950's. These have ranged from computer-controlled electric scoreboards to computer-designed pole vaulting poles. Described in this paper are a computer-based athletic injury reporting system and a computer-assisted football scouting system. The injury reporting…