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Many library computers are now connected to each other through networks and to the rest of the world through the Internet. Current information of unprecedented scope and scale is now available on the computer screen. There is, however, a dark side to all this computer interconnectivity, since it increases the possibility of diliberate unsolicited intrusion into library computers. When such an intrusion occurs, it may come in the form of a computer virus playfully invented by some computer hacker, or it may come as an uninvited e‐mail message from an eager online salesman. There are even some spiteful, vengeful, paranoid attackers who aim to cause destruction. Some intrusions can damage valuable computer‐stored information; others m ay simply divert the attention of a computer user. Protective measures should be taken to avoid some intrusions; others can simply be ignored. In this article, we take a look at some frequently encountered computer intrusions.

One of the main reasons for the limited use of methods and techniques based on computers and many of the problems encountered in their introduction is the lack of appropriate education and training among managers, professional and technical staff. Many firms use computers simply for routine data processing, such as the basic clerical and accountancy functions, and have not progressed to what they believe to be the more esoteric applications. Yet the computer makes possible the use of many methods, which are not feasible without it and which can contribute significantly to business and technical efficiency.

When an organization acquires a computer system, accounting is normally the first business application that is computerized. In the past most business had to develop their own accounting software, or continue to operate without one, because of the lack of suitable off‐the‐shelf accounting software packages. In recent years, software companies have been developing a wide spectrum of accounting software packages and currently there are well over 100 accounting software packages on the market ranging from simple cheque‐book programs to powerful modular systems. Selecting the right accounting package has become increasingly complex, and a business needs to evaluate various accounting packages to select one that will best satisfy the company′s current and future financial information needs.

Looks at the functions and uses of computer‐aided learning (CAL) and computer‐based training software programmes. Considers what can be done with these programmes and how to build a well‐designed, sophisticated learning package. Concludes with an examination of the GUIDE learning system.

This article discusses the basics of computer‐room air conditioning, an important component of the special environment required by mainframe computers and many mini‐computers as well. Computer room air conditioners differ in some significant ways from “comfort” air‐conditioners, which are designed for the comfort of people rather than machines. These differences make it less than ideal to use air conditioning systems designed for human comfort for computer cooling. The author describes several different types of air‐conditioners, considerations related to the construction of a computer room, and factors that determine air‐conditioning requirements.

The following questionnaire was devised by Mr. William F. Kluckas and Mr. Joseph M. D'Allegro of E.R. Squibb & Sons, Inc. It is designed to alleviate many of the problems software buyers encounter in the process of evaluating, selecting, contracting for, and installing software products.

The Online Search Tutor (OST) was developed under funding from the British Library Research and Development Department as a self‐contained training package for end‐users of online search services. The software package includes Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) techniques and system simulation (emulation) modules and is based on the QUEST command language of ESA‐IRS. This paper describes the structure of this package and also includes the results of a small‐scale evaluation of its use with a sample of end‐users with no previous experience of online searching. OST runs on an IBM‐PC XT microcomputer.

Computer application packages have had something of a bad name up until now; in fact, in the majority of cases, the package solution is the only practical one. This article describes how packages may be applied to a variety of functions, especially retail outlet accounting and vehicle costing systems.

When designing electronic systems it is very useful to analyse the relationship between the interconnection capacity of selected packaging methods and their prices. Such an analysis is provided for the entire gamut of the interconnection spectrum: from one‐sided PCBs to complex ICs, by a plot of the log of substrate price/sq. inch versus the log of substrate density expressed in inches of conductors/sq. inch of substrate. The use of such a graphic method of analysis can produce interesting and useful insights into the potentials and tradeoffs between various current and future IC packaging approaches. After a short description and analysis of that log‐log plot, this paper will apply this methodology to the derivation of the general cost relation of IC interconnections on the next level of substrates. It specifically will attempt to establish a general price relationship between packaging approaches using bare (uncased) chips and the chips packaged in individual packages. As a result, the cost‐effectiveness of the use of Multi‐chip Module technology in the regions of very high interconnection densities will be derived and its competitiveness against other interconnection methods will be analysed.

VINE is produced at least four times a year with the object of providing up‐to‐date news of work being done in the automation of library housekeeping processes, principally in the UK. It is edited and substantially written by Tony McSean, Information Officer for Library Automation based in Southampton University Library and supported by a grant from the British Library Research and Development Department. Copyright for VINE articles rests with the British Library Board, but opinions expressed in VINE do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the British Library. The subscription to VINE is £10 per year and the subscription period runs from January to December.