This first installment of four-part "Online/Database Laserdisk Directory" reports on aspects of laserdisks including: product name; product description; company name; conpatibility information; type of laserdisk (compact disc read-only-memory, videodisk); software used; interface with magnetic media capability; conditions of usage;…

This detailed look into proper diskette maintenance presents general precautions on temperature, humidity, lifespan, labeling, storage, and disk drive maintenance. The Apple UniDisk 3.5 disk drive is described, tips on purchasing diskettes are presented, and information on specific data retrieval and backup software and diskettes is included. (MBR)

Introduction to use of compact disk technology for storing digital data highlights history, background, and developments; technical features; standardization issues; current CD ROM applications; and the market for CD products. A production diagram, a sampling of CD manufacturers and disk replicators, and performance comparison of three storage…

Discusses factors that should be considered by buyers and producers of databases on CD-ROM (compact disc-read only memory). The advantages and disadvantages of CD-ROM are also discussed and compared with those of magnetic and print media, and market projections are provided. (CLB)

This article defines three separate categories of microcomputers--personal, desk-top, multi-user devices--and relates storage capabilities (expandability, floppy disks) to library applications. Highlghts include de facto standards, operating systems, database management systems, applications software, circulation control systems, dumb and…

Explains the basic features of floppy disk and hard disk computer storage systems and the purchasing decisions which must be made, particularly in relation to certain popular microcomputers. A disk vendors directory is included. Journal availability: Hayden Publishing Company, 50 Essex Street, Rochelle Park, NJ 07662. (SJL)

Discussion of the factors that should be considered when purchasing or upgrading a microcomputer focuses on the MS-DOS and OS/2 operating systems. Macintosh purchasing decisions are discussed in a sidebar. A glossary is provided. (CLB)

Describes floppy-disk and hard-disk based networks, electronic systems linking microcomputers together for the purpose of sharing peripheral devices, and presents points to remember when shopping for a network. (MBR)

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)

Points to the value of upgrading a journalism education program with modern equipment; tells how a high school publications staff obtained a phototypesetter with a video display screen and a magnetic diskette storage and retrieval system. (GT)

Discusses the major categories of add-on microcomputer equipment--memory, mass storage, printers, plotters, monitors, modems, music and voice synthesizers, light pens, game controllers, graphics tablets, word processors, graphics packages, and furniture--and offers suggestions that may be helpful in making purchasing decisions. (MBR)

Intended to enable educators to make intelligent decisions when purchasing hardware and software, this article presents basic information on computer hardware, effective software, and necessary peripherals needed to achieve educational objectives instructors have set. (MBR)

Provides advice and suggestions for educators or parents who are trying to decide what type of computer to buy to run the latest computer software for children. Suggests that purchasers should buy a computer with as large a hard drive as possible, at least 10 megabytes of RAM, and a CD-ROM drive. (MDM)

Identifies computer software designed specifically for library management tasks in three distinct categories: library utility programs, and circulation and catalog programs for floppy disk and for hard disk. Company name and address, program, application, hardware, cost, and comments are provided in each category. (EJS)