Described are types of programs used for processing text (editors, print formatters, and word processors), followed by the comparison of four word-processing packages: Auto Scribe, Electric Pencil, Magic Want and Word Star. With the exception of Auto Scribe, all programs reviewed are CP/M versions. (KC)

Electronic examination systems, which include Internet-based system, require extremely complicated installation, configuration and maintenance of software as well as hardware. In this paper, we present the design and development of a flexible, easy-to-use and secure examination system (e-Test), in which any commonly used computer can be used as a…

This article provides a description of how computer files can be used to store language materials that teachers commonly use and how they can access that material very simply and use it in a variety of ways. A computer file may be compared to a filing cabinet which has separate drawers and in each drawer separate folders. A drawer might be labeled…

The author describes the floppy disk with an analogy to the phonograph record, and discusses the advantages, disadvantages, and capabilities of hard-sectored and soft-sectored floppy disks. She concludes that, at present, the floppy disk will continue to be the primary choice of personal computer manufacturers and their customers. (KC)

Response time in large, inverted file document retrieval systems is determined by time required to access files of document identifiers on disk and process a Boolean search request. A specialized computer system has been devised that can perform a complicated sample search involving 70 terms and over 60,000 document references 12 to 60 times…

A bulk data input processor which is available for the Rapidly Extensible Language (REL) English versions is described. In REL English versions, statements that declare names of data items and their interrelationships normally are lines from a terminal or cards in a batch input stream. These statements provide a convenient means of declaring some…

What the machine and the computer have done to help solve the book storage problem are studied and evaluated. The various systems fall into two categories: (1) mechanized with power assist and (2) mechanized and/or computerized. (NH)

Educators have used online technology in the past as information presentation tools and information storage tools to support learning. Researchers identify online technologies with large capacities and capabilities to enhance human learning in an interactive fashion. Online learning technology should move away from the use of computer technology…

The Air Force has developed a data bank which classifies job descriptions into occupational clusters. A retrieval system, also recently developed computes and publishes a consolidated description of the work being performed by any group which can be defined in terms of the background information. Other retrieval programs are available which enable…

Discusses discoveries and applications of science that have enabled the computer industry to introduce new technology each year and produce 25 percent more for the customer at constant cost. Potential limits to progress, disc storage technology, programming and end-user interface, and designing for ease of use are considered. Glossary is included.…

Discusses the pricing of computer services. (PF)

Extensions are required to the currently operational INGRES data base system for it to manage a data base distributed over multiple machines in a computer network running the UNIX operating system. Three possible user views include: (1) each relation in a unique machine, (2) a user interaction with the data base which can only span relations at a…

Discusses problems resulting from incompatible computer systems. Outlines how to make interchange of data possible between systems. Concludes that with the popularity of microcomputers increasing, learning how to make information compatible between systems is essential. (BSR)

The authors envision the library of the future as part of a large network of dedicated computers, each with specialized data bases and inter-computer communications for accessing other data bases. (4 references) (Author)

A study of computer facilities in British libraries highlighted the respective benefits and disadvantages of using the parent institution's central computer or using a dedicated minicomputer. The large computer's technical advantages include greater opportunities for sharing or buying operational software, and the availability of experienced…