UpDate - Vol. 13, No. 22, Page 8
March 3, 1994
TechTalk
Test drive the Microcomputing Resource Center

     Looking to take a Turbo 486 for a test drive? Wondering if you'll want
power "windows"? Stop in Room 040 Smith Hall. The Microcomputing Resource
Center (MRC) staff will help you decide which make and model are the best
choice for your particular computing needs.
     Want to try it yourself? Step up to one of the demonstration
computers: DOS-based, Macintosh and UNIX. You can check that the computer
you are considering gives you the performance that you want. A staff member
or a student consultant is always on duty to assist or to answer any
questions.
     Or, perhaps, you want to purchase a new software program but aren't
sure that it will do what you need. According to Larry Larraga, an MRC
consultant, "If we have the program, we can install it on one of the demo
systems, so you can try it before you buy it."
     If the MRC doesn't have a copy of the software, you can access current
computer magazine reviews about software and hardware through "Computer
Select Database" (CSD)-a CD ROM subscription service that is updated
monthly. You can search CSD by any word, subject or title. You usually
receive the full-text articles on line.
     Printed materials are available for you to use: the latest computer
periodicals, software manuals, information brochures and industry
newspapers.
     The MRC also maintains public domain and shareware archives.
     If you don't have time to do the research yourself, you can rely on
the consulting experience of the MRC staff who are constantly reviewing and
evaluating new computer products. Ron Nichols, an MRC consultant, said, "We
share our expertise with other members of the University community. We do
it so that you don't have to."
     The staff will ask you some basic questions and then give you general
recommendations about the most appropriate products for you. These
recommendations are impartial; the final decision is yours. You can
purchase the items either through the on-campus Computer Warehouse or
through local computer vendors.
     The MRC is designed to help you have a smooth ride before and after
you purchase a computer. "Helping people purchase the most appropriate
computer allows them to make the best use of the University's computing
infrastructure," Nichols said.
     For information, call the MRC at 831-8895.
                                                  -Suzanne Nanis