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Today an estimated 500,000 personal computers have been purchased by Americans who use them at home and in a variety of small business applications. (Note: We define a personal computer as a small, relatively inexpensive, microprocessor‐based device which can be taken out of its box, plugged in and begin working immediately, as opposed to large computers which must be permanently installed, and/or require professional programming. We exclude microprocessor‐based devices whose only function is limited to the playback of packaged games.) Many market research services believe that personal computer sales will continue to grow rapidly, perhaps as fast as a 50 percent annual growth rate for the next several years. The impact of this new interactive information technology coming into the possession of perhaps millions of people can only be guessed at at this early juncture. To us, as librarians, one of the more perceivable results of the growing wave of interest in personal computers has been the proliferation of literature addressed to the personal computer user.

Before shopping for a new computer, you should make a plan detailing what you can afford, what you expect to do with the computer, and how much the computer is worth to you. The author suggests factors to include in such a plan and argues that, while games and other non‐productive uses may legitimate part of a computer's worth, worries about computer literacy should not influence decisions. Some terms used in defining personal computers and other microcomputers are discussed.

Presents a review on implementing finite element methods on supercomputers, workstations and PCs and gives main trends in hardware and software developments. An appendix included at the end of the paper presents a bibliography on the subjects retrospectively to 1985 and approximately 1,100 references are listed.

One concern for logistics managers is the use of new technology. Such an example of technology utilization is the use of computers by managers in logistics. Investigates the nature and extent to which mainframe and personal computers are used by logistics management, in contrast to the related business area of marketing. National samples of logistics and marketing professionals responded to a mail survey questionnaire to test hypotheses concerning factors related to the availability of different computer equipment in their organizations and differences between logistics and marketing professionals′ computer access and sources for learning to use computers. The results document widespread availability of sophisticated technology, although the logistics professionals appear to lead the marketing professionals in availability of various hardware. Logistics and marketing professionals also use different methods to learn the use of computers. Further, corporate size and industry are related to computer access. Discusses the implications of these findings.

The Tandy 1000 sells for just $1199 with 128 thousand byte main memory and one disk drive. It can use disks intended for the IBM Personal Computer and will run most of the software packages designed for the IBM machine. Not only is its price over $1000 less than its IBM counterpart; this computer comes with a bundle of free software that includes word‐processing, filing, spreadsheet and communications. What it does not have is the ability to use IBM/PC plug‐in adapter circuits to connect peripheral devices. The Tandy 1000 is available at Radio Shack Computer Centers.

Microcomputers are rapidly becoming commonplace in libraries today and will become even more so as prices fall and capabilities increase. Microcomputers can provide a wide range of services, from being an integral part of a circulation system to serving as terminals to access online databases and information utilities such as the Source or CompuServe. Software can be purchased or developed to assist in online literature searching (record keeping or standardization of database commands). Database packages, or even word processing programs, can be used to help compile local newspaper indexes or other local information files. Statistical packages can be used to analyze library usage. Even the laborious task of writing reports or letters can be greatly aided by word processing programs. Even though the availability of software is a determining factor in choosing a microcomputer, this paper will concentrate on meeting the hardware needs of individual libraries.

Do personal computers make sense? Do the benefits outweigh the costs? That's something you need to determine before you buy a computer (or add to your existing supply). A few years ago, many organizations underestimated the costs of computers and overestimated their benefits. Now, the prevailing wisdom may be going too far in the other direction. Our trailing‐edge skeptic notes some of the absurd projections of earlier years, showing the simple math that undermined the business plans. Going on to discuss some reasons why earlier cost‐benefit equations were seriously off in one direction, he proceeds to the current situation. Finally, notes from the literature cover four months (December 1988 through March 1989) with few startling developments but many worthwhile articles and reviews.

Whether you are buying your first personal computer or considering an upgrade, you face a confusing marketplace that is unlikely to become simpler. You must plan your uses and consider your needs, so that you will know what type of computer you want. Knowing what you want is not enough, however; knowing the marketplace may be equally important. Traditional preferences for purchasing methods may no longer make sense—but none of the alternatives are foolproof. It is easy to make a mistake and some mistakes are more disastrous than others. The author discusses his own mistakes, how those mistakes were resolved, and what they might mean to you. The article concludes with some highlights from personal computing magazines published during April‐June 1989.

Looking back at the first and third “Common Sense Microcomputing” articles, we can see the changes a year has brought. Personal computers are cheaper and more powerful; some of 1984's brand names have disappeared, while new brands and “generic computers” have emerged. Microcomputer magazine publishing has not yet stabilized; and many magazines have gone on enforced diets. The author comments on changes in the personal computer industry over the past year and details some specific changes in system availability and pricing. He then reevaluates a few microcomputer magazines.

This paper should give an idea of the slow but irreversible introduction process of personal computers into social work services and agencies, but its major part shall deal with social schools' response to this challenge. The author's college/curriculum shall be used as an example.