NBSIR 82-2573

An Annotated Bibliography of

Introductory Articles to Aid in the

Selection of Small Computer

Systems

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Bureau of Standards

Institute for Computer Sciences and Technology

Center for Programming Science and Technology

Washington, DC 20234

August 1982

Issued October 1982

)EPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

YAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

-QC—

100

, U56

82-2573

1982

National Bureau of Standards

Library, _ £-01 Admin. Bldg.

NBSIR 82-2573

OCT 2 5 1982

AN ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY OF

INTRODUCTORY ARTICLES TO AID IN THE

SELECTION OF SMALL COMPUTER

SYSTEMS

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Lynne Rosenthal

John Barkley

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Bureau of Standards

Institute for Computer Sciences and Technology

Center for Programming Science and Technology

Washington, DC 20234

August 1982

Issued October 1982

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, Malcolm Baldrige, Secretary

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS, Ernest Ambler. Director
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AN ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY OP INTRODUCTORY ARTICLES

TO AID IN THE SELECTION OF SMALL COMPUTER SYSTEMS

Lynne S. Rosenthal and John Barkley

An annotated bibliography of articles on small

computers has been compiled. Its purpose is to provide

introductory material for those involved ir Cue selection

and evaluation of small computing systems. The bibliography

is aimed at the novice microcomputer user although

experienced users may find several of the product-related

categories of value.

Key words: microprocessors, personal computers, small

computers, software, word processing, personal work stations

1. INTRODUCTION

The purpose in publishing this bibliography is to

provide introductory material for those involved in the

selection and evaluation of small computing systems. This

effort in compiling and categorizing references has been

prompted by the overwhelming popularity and diversity of

small computers. The bibliography is aimed at the novice

microcomputer user although experienced users may find
Page 2

several of the product-related categories of value.

This bibliography presents a consolidated reference to

articles on small computers, their selection, and the

hardware and software products associated with them. No

claim to exhaustiveness is made. The intent is to provide

references to readily available material. The magazines and

journals selected are considered primary sources for

articles on small computers (appendix A). Books,

newspapers, and vendor and user group publications have been

omitted at this time. The articles referenced were

reviewed, evaluated, and selected as to their value in

fulfilling the objectives of this bibliography. It must be

recognized that new articles on small computers continue to

be published , and it is therefore impossible for this

bibliography to include the most recent material. The

maintenance and update of the bibliography will be a continuing effort We expect to issue supplements to it

periodically.

The bibliography is divided into four major categories.

Several of these categories have been further subdivided to

aid the reader in locating areas of interest. Where

applicable, an article is cross-referenced and may be found

in more than one category. An indication as to the type of

computer (all systems, CP/M-based, Apple, Atari, trs-SO,

etc.) required for operation is included for articles

relating to software products.
Page 3

cause of the bibliography a .

<*£3 tracts* it is necessary to mention vendors and .m.;; rci r products. The absence or presence of a particular product

does not imply criticism or endorsement by the National

Bureau of Standards or the authors.

The authors invite comments and suggestions of classes

of information or specific entries that would be of interest

in future bibliography efforts 0 The authors can be

contacted ats

System Selection and Evaluation Group

Institute for Computer Science and Technology

National Bureau of Standards

Washington, D=C 0 2G0234

(301) 921-3485
Page 4

Small Computer Annotated Bibliography

A. Small Computers:

1. General Information

2. Selection Methodology

3. Performance Evaluation

B. Hardware:

1. Product Review

2. Printers

3. Video Display Terminals

4. Storage Options

C. Software:

1. General Packages

2. System Software

2.1. Operating Systems

2.2. Languages

3. Applications Software

3.1. Word Processing

3.2. Spellers

3.3. Business Applications

3.4. Spread Sheet Programs

3.5. Data Base Management Systems

D. Communications

1. General Information

2. Networks

3. Telecomputing/Videotext
Page 5

BIBLIOGRAPHY

A. Small Computers:

1.

General Information

1.1. Hughes, Elizabeth, "Whaf's in the Box? Taking the

Mystery Out of Your Computer/' onComputing Inc. , Fall 1981, pp. 27-34.

Description of the major parts of a general computer

system, and shows how these parts work together.

1.2. Raskin, Jef, and Tom Whitney, "Perspectives on

Personal Computing/' Computer , January 1981,

pp. 62-73.

A tutorial overview of the evolution, applications,

and the hardware and software considerations of

personal computers.

1.3. Schoichet, Sandor, "Personal Work Stations: A

Concept Evolves into a Booming Industry," Mini-Micro

Systems , April 1981, pp. 98-104,107,111,113.

An exploration into the personal work station

concept, the dynamics that are generating such

interest, and how the market is shaping up.

2.

Selection Methodology

2.1. Miastkowski, Stan, "Choosing Your Popular Computer,"

Popular Computing , November 1981, pp. 16-18,20-23.

The factors Eo consider while choosing a small

computer are discussed. A chart of several systems

and their characteristics is included.

2.2. "Retail Store Listing/' Datamation , October 1981,

pp. 29-50

A survey of the major computer outlets in the 10

largest cities in the U.S.; included are the names,

addresses and phone numbers of each outlet and types

of equipment and services offered.

2.3. Schwartz, Barbara, "Let the Buyer Beware - Choosing

the Right Computer Store," Popular Computing , January 1981, pp. 82-84,86,88.

~~~ Advice and a list of questions to help select a computer store that fits the user's needs.

3.

Performance Evaluation
Page 6

3.1.

Fox, Tom, "Report Card: Benchmark," Interface Age , August 1981, pp. 76-82.

A comparison chart and explanation of benchmark

results for several microcomputers.

B. HARDWARE:

1. Product review

1.1. Kocher, Christopher and Michael Keith, "Six Personal

Computers from Japan," Byte , May 1982, pp. 61-102.

A comparative review of the BMC if 800, the Canon

CX-1, the Hitachi MB-6890, the NEC PC-800A, Fujitsu

FM-8, and the Systems Formulate Corporation

Bubcom80

1.2. "Low-Cost Computers," Popular Computing, May 1^82,

pp. 72-102.

An in-depth look at the Atari 400, Radio Shack

TRS-80 color computer, Sinclair ZX81, and the

Commodore VIC-20.

1.3. "Personal Computers: Products for Every Need,"

Personal Computing , May 1981, pp. 45-55,74.

A survey of several personal computers on the

market: Apple, Atari, Pet, Heath, Hp-85, Qsborne,

TRS-80 , and TI

1.4. Skier, Ken, "The Atari 800 Personal computer,"

onComputing Inc., Summer 1980, pp. 24-27,54-59.

A personal description of the Atari's capabilities

and ability as a supported computer system.

1.5. "Today's Personal Computers: Products for Every Need — Part 2," Personal Computing, June 1981,

pp. 9-15,73-75.

A survey of several personal computers on the

market: Altos, Cromemco Z-2, Sorcerer, Intecolor,

Intertec, Intellivision, NEC-8001, Northstar, PMC,

and Sinclair ZX00.

1.6. Warren, Carl, "Radio Shack TRS-80 Model III Desktop

Computer," Popular Electronics , May 1982, pp. 31-33.

A description and evaluation of the TRS-80 Model III

hardware and software.

1.7. Williams, Gregg, "A Closer Look at the IBM Personal

Computer," Byte, January 1982, pp. 36,64,68.

An in-depth description of the capabilities of the

hardware and software of the IBM Personal Computer.
Page 7

2.

Printers

2.1. Blank, George, "The Quest for the Perfect Printer,"

Creative Computing, July 1981, pp. 130-137,

A review and comparison of several popular printers

in the various price ranges.

2.2. Feigel, Curtis, "Byte Printer Directory," Byte

March 1982, pp. 278-296.

A list of printer manufacturers and their products.

2.3. Stewart, George , "Pr inter s: Why You Need One, How to

Choose One," Popular Computing , December 1921,

pp. 84,87-92.

A basic guide to choosing a printer, including a helpful checklist.

2.4. Veit, Stanley, "Everything You Wanted to Know About

Printers," Personal Computing , March 1981,

pp. 58-69

.

A discussion of printer capabilities and features,

including a printer comparison chart and vendor

guide.

3.

Video Display Terminals

3.1. Raymond, Larry, "The Video Display Revolution"

Interface Age , July 1981, pp. 77-83.

An overview of currently available VDTs. Two charts

provide information on vendor, cost, size and

weight, and features.

3.2. Veit, Stanley, "The ABC's of VDT," Personal

Computing , August 1981, pp. 39,42-49,120.

An explanation of VDTs followed by a chart of the

popular VDTs and a glossary of VDT terms.

4.

Storage Options

4.1. Bierman, Paul, "Memories Are Made of This," personal

Computing , June 1981, pp. 41-43.

An explanation of the abbreviations or acronyms (eg.

RAM, ROM, etc.) used in the memory section of a computer

.

4.2. Bursky, Dave, "Disk Memories: What You Should Know

Before You Buy Them," Personal Computing, April

1981, pp. 20-27.

Several of the factors to consider v/hen selecting a disk memory. Included are a vendor guide, floppy

capacity chart and glossary.
Page 8

4.3. James, David, "Understanding Mass storage, What's In

It For You," Personal Computing, February 1982,

pp. 65-70,74,142-144.

An explanation of the various mass storage options

for microcomputers.

4.4. Valentine, Pamela, "A Beginners Guide: Understanding

Floppy Disks," onComput ing Inc

, Summer 1980,

pp. 8-15.

An introductory tutorial on floppys including a discussion of the principle behind disk drives,

their appearance, format, and use.

C. SOFTWARE:

1. General Packages and Information

1.1. Good, Phillip, "Choosing the Right Business

Software," Popular Computing, April 1982, pp. 33-38.

A guideline to selecting software, including several

factors to be aware of, plus hints to help make the

selection easier.

1.2. Steele, Russell, "Evaluating Small Systems

Applications Software," Microcomputing , June 1980,

pp. 166-170.

A discussion of software attributes that should be

considered when selecting software.

1.3. Thiel, Carol Tomme, "New Packages Span the Software

Horizon," Infosystems, February 1982,

pp. 47-53,56-62,68-74.

Software review of new or newly enhanced software

packages (not exclusive to microcomputers)

2. System Software

2.1.

Operating Systems

2.1.1. Alden, Roland, "Operating Systems: The Choice is

Yours," Interface Age , June 1981, pp. 84-87.

A beginner's tutorial of an operating system,

its parts and how it works.

2.1.2. Barden, William, "Disk Operating Systems - What

Do You Do After You Plug It In?," Popular

Computing , March 1982, pp. 60-68.

A general discussion of disks and the functions

and features of a disk operating system.
Page 9

2.1.3.

Boyd , Good, and Stanley Veit, "A User's Guide to

Operating Systems," Personal Computing, May

1981, pp. 27-32,83-87,108.

A discussion of operating systems is given along

with descriptions of CP/M and several

alternatives (NEWDOS,SOS, etc.). A list of

vendors with operating system, computer type,

cost, and application compatibilities is

included.

2.2. Languages

2.2.1. Firebaugh, Sorensen, and Stone, "Comparative

Evaluations of BASIC Systems," Creative

Computing , December 1980, pp. 70-80.

Tables presenting the comparison and evaluation

of several BASIC language systems. Tables

include system characteristics, benchmark

results, and quality, convenience, and editing

capabilities

.

2.2.2. Harwood, Robert, "High-Level Languages - Which

is For You?," Personal Computing, January 1982,

pp. 56-58, 61-64, !0T:

Several of the factors to consider before

choosing a language. Included are short

descriptions of BASIC, FORTRAN, FORTH, COBOL, C.

2.2.3. Li, Teri, "Whose BASIC Does What?," Byte , January 1981, pp. 318-327.

A comparison of ROM- type BASIC's for the Apple,

Atari, Pet, Sorcerer, TI99/4, and TRS-80.

2.2.4. Mazur, Ken, "Understanding Interpreters and

Compilers," Personal Computing, May 1981,

pp. 39-42, 77-8T7IT0;il27n?T:

An elementary tutorial on the differences and

features of interpreters and compilers.

. Application Software

3.1.

Word Processing

3.3.1.

Blank, George, "Word Processing with the Radio

Shack TRS-80," Creative Computing , July, 1981,

pp. 17-36.

A collection of short articles reviewing,

Scripsit, Electric Pencil, and Lazy Writer word

processing programs. Also reviewed are two

programs that add extra features to Scripsit;

Scripmod and Superscript.

- [TRS-80]
Page 10

3.1.2. Carlson, K^ith and Steve Haber, "Four Word

Processors for the Apple II," Byte, June 1981,

pp. 176-190,196-204.

A review and comparison of Supertext, Writeon,

Datacope Scribe, and Easy Writer word

processors

.

-[Apple II]

3.1.3. Finseth, Craig, "Managing Words: What

Capabilities Should You Have with a Text

Editor?," Byte, April 1982, pp. 302-310.

A list and description of several popular text

editor features.

3.1.4. Good, Phillip, "Word Processing Software

Directory," Popular Computing, February 1982,

pp. 22-30.

A summary of word processor features. Tables

include: text formatters, editors, and a list of

vendors

.

- [Apple , Atari ,CP/M ,TRS-80]

3.1.5. Goodfellow, David, "Inspiration From the Muse,"

Microcomputing, May 1981, pp. 53-54.

A comparison of Supertext and the improved

Supertext II word processing program.

-[Apple II]

3.1.6. Hallen, Rod, "Super Word Processors,"

Microcomputing, June 1980, pp. 214-217.

A brief introduction to word processing followed

by a discussion of Edit and PR, Electric Pencil,

Wordstar, Magic Wand.

- [CP/M]

3.1.7. McComb, Gordon, "A Primer for Word Processing,"

Creative Computing, July 1981, pp. 84-89.

An explanation of many of the common word

processing features.

3.1.8. McWilliams, Peter, "An Introduction to Word

Processing," Popular Computing, February 1982,

pp. 17-19.

A guide to some of the most useful word

processing features.

3.1.9. Moskowitz, Robert, "Word Processing

Apple- ications , " Interface Age, May 1981,

pp. 92-99.

A comparison evaluation of six word processor

programs: W/P System, Easywriter, Supertext,

Applewriter, Write-on 11, and Magic Window.

- [Apple]
Page 11

j. 1.10. Perry, Robert, "Word Processing: the A to /. or

Software," Personal Computing, March

pp. 73-83.

The features of 17 word processing packaurr are

discussed. Included are a buyers guide, and

charts of printer, editing, and formartlng

features

.

-[all systems]

3.1.11

,

Shetter, Michael, "A Very Versatile Word

Processor," Creative Computing, March 1982,

pp. 20-22.

A personal review of the features and

limitations of Superscribe word processor.

- [Apple]

3.1.12. "WP Packages for Microsystems, Computer

Decisions, January 1982, pp. 153,163-164.

A list of word processor software and spelling

verifiers for microsystems. Each entry denotes

the vendor, equipment required., and software

price.

-[all systems]

3.2. Spellers

3.2.1. Kimmel, Stephen, "Hte Proofreader porgrams,"

Creative Computing, March 1982, pp. 14-19.

A review and comparison o

; proofreader,

Hexspell, Microproof, Chextext, r-lxz, Spellguard,

Superspell

.

- [TRS-80 , CP/M]

3.2.2. Lemmons, Phil, "Five Spelling-Correction

Programs for CP/M-based Systems, if dyte, November

1981, pp. 434-448.

A software review of The Word, Spellguard,

Wordsearch, Microspell and Microproof.

-[CP/M, TRS-80]

3.2.3. "WP Packages for Microsystems," Computer

Decisions, January 1982, pp., 158,163-164.

A list of word processor software and spelling

verifiers for microsystems. Each entry denotes

the vendor, equipment required, and software

pr ice

.

-[all systems]
Page 12

3.3.

Business Applications

3.3.1. "General Ledger Packages," Personal Computing,

August 1981, pp. 29-34,7 4-8 5": Descriptions of 20 general ledger packages, with

highlights of advantages and disadvantages of

each. A vendor guide and chart of features and

reports is included.

-[all systems]

3.3.2. Perry, Robert, "Inventory Control Programs,"

Personal Computing, March 1981, pp. 25-35.

An examination of inventory control programs

with a description of several available

packages. A vendor guide is included.

-[all systems]

3.4.

Spread Sheet Programs

3.4.1. Good, Phillip, "VisiCalc, An Electronic

Worksheet," Popular Computing , December 1981,

pp. 34-38

.

A general description of VisiCalc features. A

description of SuperCalc is also included (in

insert, page 36)

.

-[all systems]

3.4.2. Green, Doug, "VisiCalc: Reason Enough fpr Owning

a Computer," Creative Computing , August 1980,

pp. 26-28.

A description of VisiCalc and several of its

features and commands.

3.4.3. Heintz, Carl "Major Additions to VisiCalc

Revealed," Interface Age, August 1981,

pp. 70-72,148-149.

A brief review of VisiCalc, VisiTrend, VisiPlot

and VisiDex.

-[all systems]

3.5.

Data Base Management Systems

3.5.1. Barley, Kathryn and James Driscoll, "A Survey of

Data-Base Management Systems for

Microcomputers," Byte , November 1981,

pp. 208-234.

An overview based on user manuals of DBMS

systems is presented. A comparison of systems

features is also included.
Page 13

3.5.2. Blechman, Fred and Jules Gilder r "Hov/ to Choose

Data Base Management Programs," Personal

Computing , February 1981, pp. 23-30.

An introductory guide to DBM programs for small

computers; how to choose one, and what are its

capabilities. A discussion of several available

DBM programs (for various computers) is

included.

D. Communications:

1. General Information

1.1. Barden, William, "Data Communications," Popular

Commuting , May 1982, pp. 114-118.

An investigation into data communications; what is

it, how it works, and what equipment you need to use

it.

1.2. Parsons, Thomas, "How Data Travels," Microcomputing , October 1981, pp. 46-57.

A comprehensive introduction to the mechanics of how

data in your computer is transmitted over a phone

line

.

2. Networks:

2.1. Brandt, Michael and Michael Bodner, "Intelligence

Networks in the Office Environment," Microcomputing , October 1981, pp. 80-83.

Distributed networks can offer economic and

performance advantages. Three networks, Ethernet,

Nestar, and Corvus, are discussed.

2.2. Dahmke, Mark, "Local Networks Save Money, Increase

Reliability," Popular Computing, April 1982,

pp. 138-140.

An introductory guide to networks; what are they,

how they work, and do you need one.

2.3. Saal, Harry, "Local-Area Networks: Possibilities for

Personal Computers," Byte , October 1981, pp. 3-10.

A description of the characteristics of a local area

network and a discussion of related system designs

that address some of the same requirements.
Page 14

. Telecomput ing/Videotext

3.1. Ball, A.J.S., Bochmann, and Gecsei, "Videotex

Networks," Computer , December 1980, pp. 8-14.

An introduction to videotex networks and a description of several existing and planned network

structures

.

3.2. Dahmke, Mark and Stan Miaskowski, "Telecomputing:

Hooking Your Computer to the World," Popular

Computing , December 1981, pp. 94,96,98.

An overview of telecomputing including several

examples, how it operates, equipment needed, costs,

and sources.

3.3. Ditlea, Steve, "Office Data Banks," Popular

Computing , February 1982, pp. 46,48,50.

A discussion of telecomputing possibilities,

including available sources.

3.4. Eigsti, Steve, "Micronet - From the User^s End,"

Microcomputing , October 1981, pp. 47,50,54-55.

A description of the Micronet telecomputing network,

how to use it, and what it can do.

3.5. Skier, Ken, "The Source, Big Computer Power in Your

Home," onComputing Inc

.

, Summer 1980, pp. 60-67.

A description of the Source telecomputing network

and some of the programs accessible through it.
APPENDIX A

This bibliography was compiled from

for the indicated periods.

the following magazines

Byte

70 Main St.

Peterborough, NH 03458

January 1980 - May 1982

Computer

10662 Los Vaqueros Circle

Los Alamitos, Ca 90720

January 1980 - March 1982

Computer Decisions

50 Essex Street

Rochelle Pk, NJ 07662

January 1982

Creative Computing

P.O. Box 789-M

Morristown, NJ 07960

January 1980 - March 1982

Data Management

505 Busse Highway

Park Ridge, 11 60068

January 1981 - April 1982

Datamation

301 S. Grove Ave.

Barrington, 11 60010

January 1980 - April 1982

Desktop Computing

80 Pine St.

Peterborough, NH 03458

December 1981

Electronics

1221 Ave. of the Americas

NY, NY 10020

January 1980 - April 1982

Infosystems

Hitchcock Bldg.

Wheaton, 11 6087

Interface Age

9000 Keys ton Crossing

Indianapolis, Ind 46204

February 1982

June 1980 - April 1982
Page A-2

(Kilobaud) Microcomputing

80 Pine Street

Peterborogh, NH 03458

January 1980 - January 1°82

Mini Micro Systems

221 Columbus Ave.

Boston, Ma 02116

January 1980 - April 1982

onComputing Inc.

70 Main Street

Peterborough, NH 03458

Summer 1980, Fall 1981

Personal Computing

50 Essex Street

Rochelle Pk., NJ 07662

January 1980 - April 1982

Popular Computing

70 Main Street

Peterborough, NH 03458

November 1980 - May 1982

Popular Electronics

1 Park Ave.

NY, NY 10016

May 1982
NBS-114A (REV. 2-80

U.s. DEPT. OF COMM.

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA

SHEET (See i nstruction s)

1. PUBLICATION OR

REPORT NO.

NBSIR 82-2573

2. Performing Organ. Report NoJ 3. Publication Date

August 1982

4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE

An Annotated Bibliography of Introductory Articles to Aid in the Selection

of Small Computer Systems

5. AUTHOR(S)

L. Rosenthal, J. Barkley

6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION (If joint or other than NBS, see in struction s) 7. Contract/Grant No. national bureau of standards

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 8. Type of Report & Period Covered

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20234

9. SPONSORING ORGANIZATION NAME AND COMPLETE ADDRESS (Street. City. State. ZIP)

10.

SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

Document describes a computer program; SF-185, FlPS Software Summary, is attached.

11.

ABSTRACT (A 200-word or less factual summary of most significant information. If document includes a significant

bi bl iography or literature survey, mention it here)

A bibliography of references on personal computers has been compiled. The purpose

in compiling this limited bibliography was to separate the articles on personal

computing from those concerning the more general issues of computers and microprocessors.

12.

KEY WORDS (Six to twelve entries; alphabetical order; capitalize only proper names; and separate key words by semicolons)

Microprocessors , personal computers, small computers, software, word processing

13.

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