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ERIC Number: ED244558
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1983-Dec
Pages: 8
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Personal Computer Communications.
Leclerc, Gerry
The interconnection between personal computers and other personal, mini, or mainframe computer systems is discussed. The following topics relevant to college personnel are addressed: hardware techniques for tying computers together, advantages and disadvantages of available software, the prospects for sophisticated micro/mainframe links with major software systems, strategies for data sharing, the role of the information center, and the products that have been used at McGill University in Quebec, Canada. Ways to exchange information stored on a personal computer include paper (e.g., a spreadsheet), and diskettes. One disadvantage of paper is the need to reenter data already in machine readable form, while disadvantages of diskettes include handling problems and media incompatibility. Additional ways to exchange information are covered: use of telephone wires, major networks or local area networks, and telecommunication (synchronous, bisynchronous, or asynchronous). For causual telecommunication, public telephone lines or twisted pair wiring may be used; however, for more dedicated use, a major or local area network are recommended as the pathway for information flow. It is suggested that the major network approach has the advantages of using the existing network and expertise, good performance, and a higher level of reliability than casual telecommunication. Characteristics of local area networks include: multipoint interconnection of devices with a decentralized computing load, data and device sharing, and speed. (Author/SW)
Publication Type: Opinion Papers; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A