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Portable computers have been around just about as long as personal computers, and have always involved serious compromises. The compromises continue, but the computers have improved enormously in true portability, power, and price. You always pay a premium for portability, and more of a premium for the ability to actually work on the road. While the premium has come down, it's still there—but now, you can get almost as much power as you need, if you pay the price. In his second look at the last eight years in DOS computing, Crawford shows how conservative choices in portable computing have evolved, and discusses why conservatism makes more sense when buying a portable.

It takes more than a computer, hard disk, diskettes, display, keyboard, and software to make a fully productive computer system. In this article, the author discusses the finishing touches: some of the peripherals (excluding printers) that you will want to consider for your new or existing personal computer. You might even consider the “ultimate peripheral,” a portable computer. The second section of this article divides portable computers into their basic categories, discusses the premium you pay for portability, and notes the greater importance of vendor survival for portable computers. The first quarter of 1993 seemed unusually rich in noteworthy articles in PC magazines. That may be at least partially because PC Sources has increased its editorial scope and partially because the author is now including several Windows‐specific magazines (one new) in the mix.

Microcomputer consultants can help a library install and use a complex software package but different styles of consulting will have different results. The first section of this column discusses two common styles of consulting, when each might be appropriate, and the dangers of using one type of consultant. The second focus of this column is the ghost of software (or hardware) future, vaporware, and the debilitating effect that vaporware has on users and vendors alike. Vaporware damages the library automation field as well, although perhaps not quite as much as it damages the microcomputer software field. This quarter's literature watch includes several printer reviews, reviews of improved project management software and a raft of personal information management software, several reviews of portable computers, and the remarkable suggestion that every computer user needs a $6,000–$12,000 computer!

A measuring system for automatic process parameter acquisition in garment sewing operations has been presented. The measuring equipment is based upon the usage of a very powerful portable notebook IBM compatible personal computer, equipped with an AD converter, measuring instruments and adequate software packages for data storing and analysis. Characteristics of measuring instruments and sensors have also been given, together with measuring process description, all connected with two independent video‐camera systems, working in two planes, used for working operation analysis at workplaces in garment sewing operations.

This paper presents the findings of a one‐year study concerned with the development and testing of an information storage tool designed to empower maintenance operatives on location by means of low cost 2D barcodes. A recurring problem for maintenance engineers is the inability to access reliable and in‐depth information about products or assemblies when on location. The scope of information which might be required is often difficult to foresee. Information about plant, distribution and cabling systems can be complex and involve sizeable amounts of data provided by the manufacturer. Added to this is the maintenance history which accrues to each and every item within a facility. The study sought to establish whether there was a low‐cost method for making both product information and maintenance history accessible on the job. Findings from the study suggest that 2D barcoding is one of several possible solutions which can provide practical benefits for a maintenance management programme bringing direct and indirect cost savings.

Examines the interfunctional linkages between product distribution and after‐sales service support functions in business organizations operating in marketing channel environments. Also discusses managerial and logistic implications of the process of selecting product distribution and service support channels in the context of specific market segments of a particular product industry. An examination of the operations of two computer equipment manufacturing firms indicates that in “low substitutability” environments, such as in the case of specialty products, manufacturing firms tend to centralize both product distribution and service support functions. In contrast, in “high substitutability” environments, such as in the case of commodity products, manufacturing firms tend to decentralize both product distribution and service support functions. These case studies suggest that both product distribution and after‐sales service support strategies are closely linked to each other. Also, several product‐, firm‐, and industry‐related attributes, which dictate the choice of product distribution and after‐sales service support channels, were identified for the computer‐equipment industry.

One of the most horrifying computer experiences a user can encounter is the destruction of files due to system malfunction or operator error. Even a relatively small computer file, containing only a few thousand bytes, may represent many hours of manual and intellectual labour. Larger files may form the foundation for the daily operations of an individual or of an entire library.

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.

Proposes the use of a special purpose drop‐in firewall/VPN gateway called Sieve, that can be inserted between the mobile workstation and the network to provide individualized security services for that particular station. Sieve is meant to be used like an external modem: the user only needs to plug it in. Its existence is transparent to the user, requiring no modification to the workstation configuration. To function in this role, Sieve has been designed to be compact, low‐cost, requiring little administration or maintenance. Discusses the features and advantages of the system and demonstrates how Sieve was used in various application areas (home, university environment, etc.).