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diff --git a/59316-0.txt b/59316-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5126a15 --- /dev/null +++ b/59316-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1757 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 59316 *** + + + + + + + + + + + + +Transcribers Note + +Text emphasis denoted as _Italics_ and =Bold=. + + + + + Computers on the Farm + + + + Farm Uses for Computers, How to + Select Software and Hardware, and + Online Information Sources in Agriculture + + + [Illustration] + + + [Illustration] + + United States + Department of + Agriculture + + + Farmers' + Bulletin + Number 2277 + + +Cover Photo: Fran and Brian Schnarre, a farm couple from Columbia, +Missouri, working at their computer. _Photo by Duane Dailey, University +of Missouri_. + + +Prepared by Office of Information, Office of Governmental and Public +Affairs + + +=Issued March 1984= + + + + +Contents + + + Purpose of This Bulletin 5 + What a Computer Can Do for You 5 + Recordkeeping 6 + Farm Management Analysis 6 + Process Controllers 6 + Telecommunications 7 + Other Uses 7 + Computers on the Farm 7 + How to Choose a Microcomputer System 8 + Strategies for Getting into Computers 9 + Alternatives to Buying a Microcomputer 10 + Information Available from Your County Extension Agent 10 + How to Select Software 11 + Checklist for Evaluating Software 11 + Where to Look for Good Software 13 + Compatibility Counts 13 + How to Select Hardware 14 + Checklist for Evaluating Hardware 14 + Where to Look for Good Hardware 16 + Types of Hardware 16 + Components of a Microcomputer 17 + Try It Out 18 + Computers Need an Investment of Time and Money 19 + Information Available Online from USDA, State, and + Private Sources 20 + Other Computer Development at USDA 30 + Learning More about Computers on the Farm 32 + Glossary of Computer Terms 34 + + + + +=Computers on the Farm= + + +=by Deborah Takiff Smith= + + + + +=Purpose of This Bulletin= + + +How can a computer help you operate your farm better? + +How do you select useful computer programs (software) and equipment +(hardware)? + +If you have a computer or plan to get one, what information can you +obtain with your computer that will be useful for your farm operation? + +This publication will help you answer such questions. It will help +you evaluate and select a new system, or get more out of the one you +already have. + +The key components of computer systems you may want to know about are: + + Hardware--the physical equipment itself. + + Software--the computer programs on tape or disk, and + + Online sources of information--such as current market and weather + information and technical reports. + +This publication offers guidelines to help farmers select hardware, +software, and online information. (See the glossary at the end of this +publication for definitions of specialized computer terms.) + + + + +=What a Computer Can Do for You= + + +You can use a microcomputer to help you-- + +Determine the most economical feed ration for dairy cows and other farm +animals. + +Schedule irrigation, + +Get quick access to records, + +Keep machinery inventories and depreciation schedules, + +Help with tax records and making out income tax returns, + +Keep livestock breeding and production records, + +Keep a record of loans and cash flow to meet interest and principal +payments, + +Determine levels of earnings by working through a profit and loss +statement and by calculating a percentage return to capital and a +percentage return to equity, + +Decide the optimum production choice for a particular farm in a given +year, and the optimum combination of inputs to grow the crops or +livestock chosen, + +Store large amounts of data, and + +Get current market and weather information if the microprocessor +is connected via the telephone to data bases (see section on online +services). + +Software programs are also available in such areas as financial +management, crop and field records, mailing lists for customers of +certified seed and breeding stock, machinery purchase versus custom +hiring, investment feasibility of building and livestock facilities, +commodity price charts and tables, income taxation, marketing, soil +conservation, and integrated pest management. + +The computer and its associated software packages can help you do four +kinds of work: (1) store and manipulate records, (2) provide analyses +for management decisions, (3) control machines or monitor production, +and (4) communicate faster with other people through their computers +and data bases. + + +=Recordkeeping= + +Many experts recommend that you start on a small scale, computerize +one thing at a time, and learn as you go along--rather than trying to +put information on your entire farm operation into the computer all at +once. A good place to start is with farm records. + +You can use microcomputers to keep track of financial records--such as +cash flow, bank balances, accounts payable, accounts receivable, net +worth statements, costs, and returns--as well as other records--such as +livestock breeding and production reports, crop and field records, and +mailing lists. + + +=Farm Management Analysis= + +After computerizing the farm records, the next step would be to do +simple analyses on the microprocessor. A good place to start is by +analyzing data already stored in the computer or available in the files. + +For example, you could use the recordkeeping capabilities of the +computer to record and depreciate equipment, and to decide whether it +is cheaper to lease or buy farm equipment. + +General software is available to help you with accounting and +bookkeeping, basic business functions. + + +=Process Controllers= + +Besides analyzing farm management problems and storing data, computers +have another key use--as process controllers. They can control such +devices as pumps and gates, record milk output per cow, and control +grain drying. + +To save water and energy, some farmers have switched to sophisticated +irrigation scheduling by programing their computers to read the +moisture in the soil, the weather, and the humidity, and to provide +information on a plant's age and irrigation needs. The computer then +tells the farmer when to water a crop and for how long--and can even +turn the water on and off. + + +=Telecommunications= + +You can also use a computer as an up-to-date source for communication, +linking you to banks of information that are available almost +instantaneously from public and private online information sources. +With the computer hooked up to the telephone, you can get information +quickly, receive it visually, and record it in detail if you wish. + +Some key information sources are listed on page 20 of this bulletin. + + +=Other Uses= + +Farm families can use microcomputers the same way other families do--to +plan the family budget, keep an inventory of household furnishings, +keep track of recipes, keep mailing lists, turn lights and heat on and +off, type homework and other documents, learn new skills, and play +games. + + + + +=Computers on the Farm= + + +Most of the computers farmers are getting are microcomputers, also +called home computers or personal computers. They are the basis of the +"computer revolution" that has been occurring since the late 1970's and +they are the focus of this publication. + +Many farmers, especially the owners of the larger farms, already +have computers. But you don't have to be a large farmer to afford a +microcomputer. Computers can be useful in almost all areas of a farming +operation--helping you decide what, when, and how to plant; how to +sell; and how to arrange the farm business to be more efficient and +more profitable. + +The computer can supplement the calculator, typewriter, and file +cabinet. And it can send and receive written or graphic messages by +telephone (in most areas of the country) that might be too long or +complex to do verbally. + +A computer can be very useful when repetitive analyses are needed or +when data storage is important, as with financial records or daily milk +output per cow. + +More and more, farming requires sophisticated management decisions and +management of basic resources, including land, water, labor, production +inputs, and capital. These are the kinds of decisions the computer can +help you make faster and more cost-effectively. + +Although a computer program for your farm operation could make +recordkeeping and analysis easier and improve your ability to manage, +it might be hard to measure these improvements in dollars. But the +dollars you save by having better information on when to sell a crop, +how to monitor the business, and how to diagnose a problem before it +gets out of control might pay for the computer. Farmers and ranchers +with large feedlot or other livestock operations might find that a feed +formulation program could cut costs enough to pay for the computer +system within a few months. + + + + +=How to Choose a Microcomputer System= + + +Should you buy a microcomputer? How do you decide on a system that's +best for you? Here are some factors to consider in making these +decisions. + +The first step is to think about your needs. What would you do with +your computer system? How would you actually use it to help you run +your operation better? List your primary needs, the important things +you want to do right away with your computer. Then, think of secondary +needs--things you might do in the future once you have a computer. + +Once you've identified your needs, the next step is to shop around--to +find some software that fulfills your needs and to see some systems in +operation. Go to computer stores or get in touch with the salespeople +in your area. You could decide to have custom programs written for your +operation, but they will be significantly more expensive than programs +that have already been developed. + +Talk to other farmers, ranchers, extension and university specialists, +and business people who are using microcomputers. Find out what +software they are using. Do some research (by reading books or +magazines, taking a course or seminar, or visiting a trade show) so +you'll be an informed customer when you shop seriously. + +Many computer experts strongly recommend against buying a computer +first and then shopping for the software packages. So identify your +needs and select the software packages or materials that will help you +do what you want to with your computer. Then find the hardware to run +the programs. + + + =The Computer Revolution= + + "The advent of computers to farm management ... is already underway + and seems likely to have a powerful influence," said USDA historian + Wayne Rasmussen in 1982. "The computer should lead to more efficient + management of machines and energy and should help in other farming + operations such as cost accounting, mixing feed rations and applying + fertilizers and other resources efficiently. Some farmers now have + computers of their own, and many others have access to computer + systems through their county agricultural agents," Rasmussen pointed + out. + + The computer can be seen as the "third revolution" in American + farming. The first revolution was the use of the horse, which added + animal power to human power. The second was the switch from the horse + to the tractor, which again expanded the power an individual could + wield. But the computer is a different kind of technological advance + because it adds to the farmer's power to manage. + + By 1990, the computer will probably be as important a part of a + commercial farmer's operation as the pickup truck. Farmers may flip + on their computers first thing in the morning--instead of their + radios--to get the latest market prices. They can get a rundown + on weather and growing conditions for major worldwide production + areas; pertinent data on prices, market conditions, credit terms, + transportation and storage rates, and related forecasts; and finally + a list of priorities each day to take advantage of these conditions. + + Getting the right system--the combination of hardware (the physical + equipment) and software (the computer programs)--is the problem + farmers must solve before they can make the most of the computer + revolution. + + + + +=Strategies for Getting Into Computers= + + +If you're interested in getting your farm's operations computerized, +and you're just starting, you could choose various strategies for doing +so. One way is to first buy the basic hardware and components you think +you need, and then add memory and other components later. If you do +that, be sure you can add additional disk drives, memory, and a printer +to your computer, all at a reasonable cost. + +What can you do with a small computer once you outgrow it, and you want +to get a bigger one? You might want to use your older computer in a +small, specialized farm operation, or keep it to retrieve and analyze +records that you stored on the old equipment. Other alternatives would +be to trade it in on a larger computer, advertise to sell it through +the local want-ads, trade or sell it to a friend or neighbor, keep the +small computer for someone else in the family (perhaps a game-playing +youngster), or donate it to a local school or religious or charitable +group and take a tax write-off. + +The farm of the future may have many computers, some for specific +functions such as irrigation scheduling or dairy operations, and one +for financial records. Having several computers would help farmers deal +with the problem of malfunctioning computers, so that the whole farm +would not be shut down if one computer goes down. + + + + +=Alternatives to Buying a Microcomputer= + + +You might consider alternatives to buying a computer. You may be able +to lease one to see what it will do for you, and use it until your +needs make it worthwhile to buy one. Prices keep coming down. The best +time to buy is when you find you can profitably make use of a computer. +Even though it becomes technically obsolete, it will still do for you +what you purchased it for. + +A programmable calculator may be an appropriate tool that is much less +costly then a microcomputer. + +If you like what a computer can do for your operation but aren't ready +to buy one or to use it yourself, you might hire a consultant to help +you select an appropriate system. Or you might retain an accountant or +computer consultant to run the financial analysis programs you need. +This kind of service gives quick results, and relieves you of having to +do it yourself. + + + + +=Information available From Your County Extension Agent= + + +State Cooperative Extension Services are helping States provide +computers for county offices. Many State Extension Services already +have computers in nearly every county Extension office. + +If you are considering buying or leasing a computer system, or want +software or timesharing services to make the most of the system you +have, a good place to go is to your State or county Extension office. +In many States, county Extension offices have terminals connecting them +to mainframe computers; some have microcomputers which give them access +to information on crop management, animal production, and marketing. + +The county Extension staff can tell you what is available online in +your area that is tailored to your kind of farming and your region. +The Extension staff will also be able to tell you the software +programs applicable in your State. Many State Extension offices have +publications on computers, and others have or are developing online +information networks linking farmers and other users to the State +university mainframe computer and its data base. + +State Extension specialists are a logical place to start when looking +for software that is appropriate to your needs. Many State Extension +computer and agricultural experts have produced software materials that +are available, and the county agent will know about them. + +In some cases the county Extension office can lend you software. If +you don't have a computer, the Extension office may be able to run +programs for you, choosing the appropriate software available and +plugging in the precise conditions and problems on your farming or +ranching operation. Or they may be able to use the computer to search +for information you need, perhaps communicating with a large State, +regional, or national data base. + +As lower cost computers with improved software have become available, +an increasing number of people are turning to their State Cooperative +Extension Services for training in computer fundamentals, equipment +selection, and software evaluation. County agents can help people find +what is available, but they probably will not be preparing software +programs themselves. + + + + +=How to Select Software= + + +The key criteria for selecting good software are the following: Does it +meet your needs? Does it do what it says it will do? And does it have +good support documentation? + + +=Checklist for Evaluating Software= + +Here are some factors to consider when evaluating and comparing +software: + +=Documentation.= Look at the "documentation" or the written +(paper) materials that come with your program. These should explain +clearly what the program does and what you have to do to use it. + +=Ease of Use.= Is the program fairly easy to use? Does it guide +you through the program? + +=Instructions.= Another factor you should consider in evaluating +software is the instructions. Are there instructions in the program or +in the written documentation? Are they readable? You should be sure you +understand how to operate the program. + +=Help.= What help can you get if you run into problems? Does the +program have a "help" function? When you don't know how to answer a +question or need help, can you turn to a separate part of the computer +program or to a part of the accompanying documentation to answer your +question? Is there a company phone-in service you can call if you need +help? + +Some software programs may come to you with bugs (errors) in them. Find +out what backup services are available. Is there a hotline you can call +for help if the program has a problem you can't solve? Does the company +provide updated versions periodically? Are they free or at nominal cost? + +=Compatibility with Hardware.= Is the software compatible with +hardware you already have, or does it run on an operating system you +can use with your hardware? + +Some computers use tape cassettes, like audio tape you use on a tape +recorder. The most standard storage medium for programs and data is +the floppy diskette, which looks like a soft phonograph record. The +diskette comes in several sizes--the most common are 8 inches and 5¼ +inches. A newer possibility is the 8-inch hard disk. The hard disk may +be used for storage, but you buy the software on a floppy disk and +transfer it. + +=Memory.= Does your computer have enough memory to run the program? + +=Recommendation.= Does the program come from a reputable source, +or does it come with a recommendation from someone you trust? + +=Effectiveness.= Does the program do what you want it to do +correctly and consistently? + + +=Where to Look for Good Software= + +Where do you find good software? Some farmers and ranchers write their +own programs or pay a programmer to write a custom program. But most +get existing programs either from State Extension sources or from +commercial outlets. + +Many operations farmers need to perform on a computer can be done +by using generalized software packages readily available through +commercial sources. + +Check with your County Extension Agent. He or she may know of the +programs that have been tailored for your operation. The Extension +Service has published a directory of agricultural software programs +produced by State Extension Services, entitled "Updated Inventory of +Agricultural Computer Programs."[A] + +[Footnote A: To order a copy, send $3.50, payable to the University of +Florida, to + + Administrative Services + Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) Bldg. 664 + University of Florida + Gainesville, FL +] + +There are also various private directories of software that is +compatible for particular equipment. You can get these programs at +computer stores or through mail-order sources. Many trade journals +carry ads of agricultural software vendors. + +The land-grant university in your State may have computer programs +available for farmers at nominal cost. Many States have produced +extensive computer software. There are also many commercial software +houses that produce computer programs in the field of agriculture. The +best programs are written by people who combine strong expertise in the +agricultural subject matter with the ability to write good computer +programs that are relatively "friendly" or easy to use. + +The 1980's have seen a big jump in the number, quality, and +friendliness of agricultural software. But you still need to evaluate +carefully the programs you are considering. Remember that software +selection and evaluation are important factors to consider when +planning a computer system for your farm. + + + + +=Compatibility Counts= + + +Computers and marriages should share one thing in common: +Compatibility. If it's not there, the system won't work. + +Not all hardware and software are compatible. In fact, hundreds of +producers of computer equipment and computer programs are in the +market, and there are few across-the-board standards. So it's important +to get hardware and software that are compatible. + +Software, or the computer programs themselves, are not like records +that can be played on any record player. They have to be compatible +with the hardware in terms of the programing language used, operating +system, size, format, and other factors. + +Try to find a store in your area where you will get the expertise you +need to obtain the right combination of software and hardware to meet +your needs. + +When you buy a computer, find out whether it comes with a standard +operating language that will allow you to use a wide variety of +programs written in different languages on your computer. Even then, +you may find that a disk that supposedly works with that operating +language will not work on your machine. + + + + +=How to Select Hardware= + + +=Checklist for Evaluating Hardware= + +Here are some factors to consider when evaluating and comparing +hardware: + +=Software.= The first questions to ask are, "What software do you +plan to use?" and "Which computer will run that program?" + +Does the computer come with a standard operating system so that it will +be compatible with a range of software programs? + +=Memory.= How much memory, or information storage capacity, do +you need? The computer's memory is measured in kilobytes (abbreviated +K), and most computers come in sizes ranging from 2K up to 256K. (A +kilobyte is equal to roughly 1,000 characters.) You need to know the +software program you will use and your recordkeeping requirements to +accurately estimate the capacity of the equipment you need. + +Some agricultural programs use 48K or 64K of memory. User friendly +programs, which require little training to use and which guide you +through the program, may be easier; but they may require more memory +for the program itself, leaving you less storage space or memory for +the data. + +=Computation.= What kind of computational ability do you want +your computer to have? Will it serve the computing needs you have +identified for now and later? + +=Input and Output Devices.= What kind of output do you need? What +additional pieces of equipment or peripherals (such as separate screen, +disk drive, modem, printer) will you need to buy to make this system do +what you want it to? + +Most agricultural programs require a printer. A dot matrix printer +(which produces characters made of small dots) may be sufficient. +Another option is a letter quality printer, which is more expensive. + +How big a screen do you need? (Screens are measured in characters and +in inches.) Do you need an 80-column or 40-column monitor? Do you need +color and strong graphics capability? What quality screen image do you +need? + +Can you add memory and other components later if you need to? + +=External Storage.= What kind of external storage does the system +use, floppy disk, hard disk, or tape? Cassette tape storage costs less, +but compared to disk storage, it has several disadvantages. + +If the hardware uses floppy disks, is the disk drive included as part +of the computer package or does it come separately? Is a second disk +drive included in the package or does it come separately? What kind of +a disk drive(s) do you need, single or double density? Hard or floppy? + +=Training.= What training is available in the use of the new +equipment? + +=Backup and Maintenance Services.= What backup and maintenance +services are available from the vendor or other sources, once you've +bought this computer? + +What happens when the computer is down (not working)? Does the company +or store from which you plan to buy offer a service contract, and how +much does it cost? Will you have to carry your computer to their site +for servicing, and how long are you likely to be without it? How far +away is your dealer and where will the computer actually be serviced? + +It's important to buy something that you can have fixed fairly quickly +and cheaply, since elements of your system, especially the mechanical +parts, may well need repair at some time. + +=Value.= What equipment and software programs come with the basic +package, and are these items included in the base price? + +Compare prices carefully, considering the components and software you +are getting for a particular price. Do not buy on the basis of price +alone, but consider also the reliability of the equipment and the +vendor, and the service you will be getting to set up, maintain, and +support your system. + + +=Where to Look for Good Hardware= + +Many buyers get their computers at specialty stores that handle +computers and other electronics. Some handle only one brand of +computer. It's worthwhile to shop around and see various systems. The +big national department store chains sell computers, too. Talk to +your neighbors about what they're using, and be sure to get hands-on +practice with systems you are considering. + +Try to find a reputable dealer who can offer backup support. Consider +the pros and cons of getting all equipment from a single vendor +versus shopping around for peripherals from different manufacturers. +A reliable dealer who handles several brands can help you make this +decision. + +Check with your Extension office. It may have a State publication on +computers or a checklist for buying one. + + +=Types of Hardware= + +Farmers are using several different types of computers. Besides the +microcomputer, which is the most widely used, other kinds of farm +computers include interactive terminals, videotex terminals, handheld +processors, and minicomputers. + +A microcomputer can be used as a stand-alone unit, working on its +own with a software disk or tape. Or it can be connected to outside +information sources if it is equipped with a device known as a modem, +which allows the computer to communicate with other computers over the +telephone. The modem turns the computer from an information processor +and storage machine into a piece of communications equipment. + +An interactive terminal has no data storage capability but is linked +to a central computer through the telephone. This is called a "dumb" +terminal because it can receive, display, and send information, but it +cannot process that information. Programs and data are stored in the +central computer and the user pays a fee to access the system. + +A videotex keyboard terminal can be connected to a telephone jack +and any television set. The user can request and receive any kind of +information stored in the central computer. Some of the online services +use this type of equipment (see section about online information +systems on page 20). + +Many farmers are also using handheld programmable calculators. These +are convenient to use in the field, and can record often repeated data, +such as daily milk production. They have little memory (usually 2K) and +their output can be printed on 2-inch paper tape. They are much cheaper +than the microcomputer. + +Farmers use them to record daily milk production, formulate dairy +and beef rations, estimate value of dairy forages, estimate cost of +operating farm machinery, and calculate depreciation and investment tax +credit. + +Some very large farm operations use minicomputers, which are larger, +have more memory, can do more functions than the microcomputers, and +can support multiple users. However, the newer microcomputers have more +memory and more functions, and the difference between minicomputers and +microcomputers has narrowed. + + +=Computer System Components= + +[Illustration: Printer; Display Screen; Telephone/Modem; Disk Drive; +Floppy Disk; and Central Processor with Keyboard] + + + + +=Components of a Microcomputer= + + +One way to understand how a microcomputer works is to see its key +components. + +The =central processing unit= (CPU) is the silicon chip that is +the "brain" of the computer. It does all the computation and controls +all the other processing. + +The CPU stores =memory= of several kinds. Part of the memory +is wired into the computer permanently by the manufacturer. This is +called Read Only Memory (ROM). It contains such things as the operating +system and program language. Random Access Memory (RAM) is the memory +bank that includes the computer program or instructions, as well as +the data. Your storage devices--tape cassettes, floppy disks, or hard +disks--that store computer programs and data, are sometimes called +external memory. + +The computer system also needs =input devices= and =output +devices=. Your keyboard is an input device; disk drives and tape +drives are also input devices. The output will probably be a cathode +ray tube (CRT), which looks like a video monitor. The printer is the +other output device you may choose to include in your computer system. + +Make sure the microcomputer has an adequate number of input and output +ports for future needs. + +If you use your computer for communications, you'll need a telephone +=modem=. + +Here is a possible shopping list of hardware for a farmer's starting +microcomputer system: + +CPU (computer) with 48K or 64K of memory. + +CRT or monitor with adequate character width for the programs you plan +to use. + +One or two disk drives, either 5¼ or 8 inches in diameter. + +Dot matrix printer (optional). + +Modem for communication with large computer (optional). + + + + +=Try it Out= + + +Be sure you try the system you plan to buy. Test run on a sample +problem the hardware and software combination you are considering +using. See if you think the solutions the computer puts out are what +you need. + +If you insist on a thorough demonstration of the material you are +considering buying, you can evaluate it in terms of its ease of use and +the usefulness of its analysis. + +If you're thinking of buying a new software package for a computer you +already have, ask to try it out first. Some software distributors in +the public sector will give you a trial period to make sure the program +is satisfactory and runs on your equipment. Or you may be able to +obtain a demonstration disk. At least, try out new programs with the +same microprocessor, printer, and screen you use to make sure they will +work on your equipment. + +It's useful to have software evaluated by a reputable source--for +example your local county Extension agent, State Extension specialist, +or a neighbor who has had experience. + +"Let the buyer beware" is a good motto to remember as you shop around +for a computer system. + + + =Getting Comfortable with Computers= + + If you can use a typewriter, you can use a computer. Most + agricultural program's do not require particular math or technical + skills, just a knowledge of your farming operation and the ability + to think in a logical, orderly way. Most new programs are user + friendly; they ask you questions in plain English, and you type the + answer on the keyboard. + + A good way to feel comfortable with computers is to try one out at + your local computer store, or at fairs, conferences, or workshops + at universities. + + + + +=Computers Need an Investment in Time and Money= + + +In addition to considering the cost of a computer system, consider the +time and effort it takes to learn the equipment and the programs, and +to keep records. Who will be operating the microcomputer? Does he or +she have the patience and skills to learn to operate the computer, and +to enter the large amounts of data that will be required initially? + +The computer may save time and money. Many farmers find that they don't +save time but they accomplish more in the time they do spend. Don't +underestimate the amount of time and effort it will require to collect +data, make sure it's accurate, enter the data, and run the analyses. + +It's important to consider how user-friendly the computer is, and how +much the computer's software will do to guide you through the analysis. + +A computer will do calculations very quickly, perhaps saving hours of +laborious figuring. A computer will store information from one time +period to the next, and recalculate alternatives quickly. By making the +information available, it will help you identify strong and weak points +in your operation. + +However, these functions will depend on your data. If the records you +use in making a computation are incomplete, for example, the computer +cannot fill in the gaps for you nor overcome inaccuracies in the data. + + + + +=Information available Online From USDA, State, and Private +Sources= + + +You can transform your own microprocessor or other computer into +a powerful communications device by adding a modem to it and +communicating over the telephone. + +This will help you gather information on news, weather forecasts, +emergencies or disasters, crop and livestock production, and marketing +(including current and future prices). + +Online computer services also include buying and selling farm products; +purchasing farm and home supplies, including teleshopping; banking +services; business management advice; ordering theater tickets; +information concerning farm and public policy; and personal education +and entertainment. + +Many farmers who are computerizing their operations, as well as others +in agriculture, can use some form of online information. There are +more than 1,300 public and private information sources available +on computer. New ones seem to come out every week. The following +selected list of information you can receive on computer includes some +of the major private online information services with agricultural +applications, as well as the main ones available from USDA and the +State land-grant institutions. + +Most of these information networks are paid for by the user based on +the amount of use. Many charge an initial fee, and then most charge the +user by the amount of time he or she spends on the system. + +No one computer system or online system may be adequate for everyone. +There are many good systems, and different systems are good for +different tasks. + + +=1. AGNET= + +AGNET is a major online information and problem-solving service for +farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, and homes. It is sponsored jointly +by five State Cooperative Extension Services--Nebraska, Montana, North +Dakota, South Dakota, and Washington--and operated by the University of +Nebraska. County Extension offices in several States participate, and +farmers in nearly all the 50 States and Canada subscribe to AGNET. + +It helps people make marketing and production decisions and solve +agricultural management problems, and it provides current information +on market conditions and news items. It offers cash and futures +market reports, international market reports from the U.S. Department +of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), reports +and report abstracts from the USDA's Economic Research Service and +Statistical Reporting Service, and market comments by Extension Service +economists. Also available are electronic mail service and electronic +conferencing, which allows groups of users with similar interests to +share ideas and information. + +Farmers and ranchers who have computer terminals with communication +capability can access AGNET. Others can tap into AGNET through their +county Extension services. AGNET subscribers are typically agricultural +lenders and bankers. Extension specialists, farm managers, home +economists, agricultural consulting firms, farmers and ranchers, and +exporters of agricultural commodities. + + ADDRESS: AGNET + University of Nebraska + 105 Miller Hall + University of Nebraska + Lincoln, NE 68583 + + +=2. AGRICOIA= + +AGRICOIA is an online information service produced by the National +Agricultural Library (NAD of USDA), and is available commercially from +a number of sources (including DIALOG and Bibliographic Retrieval +Services). It provides comprehensive access to information on published +literature pertaining to agriculture. + +AGRICOIA is the catalog and index for NAL and covers materials +published since 1970. It includes about 1.5 million citations. + +AGRICOIA contains citations to worldwide published books, serial +titles, and journal articles on agriculture and related subjects. In +addition to bibliographic citations of published literature, the system +offers information through several specialized subfiles; these subfiles +include brucellosis (BRU), environmental impact statements covering +1977 and 1978 (ENV), and the Food and Nutrition Information Center, +which emphasizes human nutrition research and education and food +technology (FNC). + +Librarians are the main users of this system. + + ADDRESS: To find out more about AGRICOIA, contact: + Educational Resources Staff + National Agricultural Library + Room 1402 + Beltsville, MD 20705 + + +=3. AgriData Network= + +AgriData is a private information and computing network specializing in +agriculture. It offers immediate access to more than 10,000 pages of +continuously updated business, financial, marketing, weather, and price +information, as well as analyses and recommendations from its own and +other reporters, analysts, economists, meteorologists, and researchers. + +It offers several different services, including an online computing +service that allows users to access a library of microcomputer software +programs that can be transferred to the user's microcomputer; an +agricultural production technology service offering data bases from 40 +land-grant universities and from agricultural, chemical, fertilizer, +equipment, seed, and feed companies; an "electronic yellow pages," or +product service directory for farmers; and electronic mail. + + ADDRESS: AgriData Resources, Inc. + 205 West Highland Ave. + Milwaukee, WI 53203 + + +=4. Agri-Markets Data Service (AMDS)= + +Agri-Markets Data Service is an agricultural data base service offered +by Capital Publications in Arlington, Va. + +The service provides market information, such as prices and shipments, +as well as commentary and other information. It gives daily and weekly +market commentary on local and national market activity in livestock, +grain, fruits and vegetables, and poultry and dairy products. + + ADDRESS: Agri-Markets Data Service + 1300 North 17th St., Suite 1600 + Arlington, VA 22209 + + +=5. AMS Market News Network= + +The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has a Market News +Telecommunications System that reports up-to-the-minute information +on commodity prices, demand, and movement. The system transmits +between 700 and 900 different reports each day on more than 150 farm +commodities. Each report is re-transmitted an average of 30 times. The +initial use of this market news system is to transmit reports to the +news media and among market news offices; firms and individuals may +also subscribe at their own cost. + +In addition, AMS and the Public Broadcasting Service deliver market +information directly to farmers via a television captioning system +called Farm Market INFODATA, available in several cities around the +country. By selecting a special channel on a closed captioning decoder, +anyone within the broadcast coverage area of the participating public +television station may receive the market information. Additional +stations in a number of States have instituted this service on their +own. + +For more information, contact: + + AMS Communications and Operations Branch + Administrative Services Division, Room 0092 + U.S. Department of Agriculture + Washington, D.C. 20250 + + +=6. AutEx Systems= + +AutEx Systems designs and operates computer-based communications +systems which link buyers and sellers in specific industries. Two +agricultural services are its Produce Network and its Floral Marketing +Network. + +Subscribers to the networks use AutEx supplied terminals to access +a nationwide communications network that includes buyer and seller +offers. This online data communications system offers pretrading +information. The terminal prints information needed to compare buying +and selling opportunities in fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as +floral products. The company is owned by Xerox. + + ADDRESS: AutEx Systems + 55 William St. + Wellesley, MA 02181 + + +=7. Chase Econometrics= + +Chase Econometrics, a subsidiary of Chase Manhattan Bank, offers +economic and financial information and analyses in the areas of +industrial economics, energy, fertilizer, minerals, international +economics, U.S. economics, and agriculture through its information +system. Data and forecasting services on agribusiness cover +international, national, regional, and statewide levels. Subscribers +receive regular reports and analyses, and also have access to a number +of historical and forecast data bases acquired through internal +data collection activities or from other organizations. Many of its +customers are large food and agribusiness firms. + + ADDRESS: Chase Econometrics + 150 Monument Rd. + Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 + + +=8. CMN (Computerized Management Network)= + +Developed by Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University as a +national information system for use by State Extension Services, CMN +helps Extension workers in solving problems, retrieving information, +and evaluating programs. To date, many CMN programs have provided the +foundation for several highly successful Extension programs. Two of the +most popular are the Simplified Dairy Cattle Feeding Program, which has +had a substantial impact on the economics of feeding dairy herds, and +COIN, which provides low-cost user access to USDA reports on marketing, +futures, and summary information on all major crops and livestock +enterprises. The CMN system is designed to be used by people who have +no special training with computers, and is available nationwide and in +Canada. + + ADDRESS: CMN + Virginia Cooperative Extension Service + Plaza I, Bldg. D + Blacksburg, VA 24061 + + +=9. COIN (Computerized Outlook and Information Network)= + +COIN is a nationwide source of information from the Extension Service, +which can be accessed by State and county extension staff, as well as +by researchers, farmers, and agribusiness. It contains USDA outlook, +market, and other information on a national computer network. + +Information from the USDA which is available through COIN includes +Statistical Reporting Service (SRS) Crop Reporting Board reports. +Economic Research Service (ERS) economic situation summaries. World +Agricultural Outlook Board reports on world agriculture supply and +demand. Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) weekly roundup of world +production and trade reports. Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) +summary of daily grain market prices, and USDA news releases. + +Some States use a multi-State computer network, or an in-State +computer system, or both, to transfer agricultural outlook and +production information to county offices and disseminate it to the +general public. State Extension outlook specialists load their outlook +analyses directly onto COIN (with a remote terminal) many times +throughout the year. + +COIN is available on the Computerized Management Network (CMN) and +through USDA ONLINE (see those entries on this list). + + +=10. CompuServe= + +CompuServe Information Service offers access to more than 500 data +bases. Some of the subjects of particular interest to farmers include +agribusiness, agricultural news, finance and investment, news, weather, +specific commodities including cotton futures prices and cattle prices, +and the Commodity News Service data. It also offers electronic shopping +and banking, electronic mail, hobby and special interest newsletters, +and games. + + ADDRESS: CompuServe Incorporated + 5000 Arlington Centre Blvd. + Post Office Box 20212 + Columbus, OH 43220 + + +=11. CRIS--Current Research Information System= + +CRIS--Current Research Information System--is a computer based +information storage and retrieval system. It covers most of the +Nation's publicly supported agricultural and forestry research, and +contains about 30,000 summaries of research projects. The data base +is updated monthly. CRIS summaries provide information about ongoing +research projects conducted or sponsored by USDA research agencies, +58 State agricultural experiment stations, 17 State forestry schools, +28 schools of veterinary medicine, 16 land-grant colleges of 1890, +Tuskegee Institute, and other cooperating State institutions. It went +online in 1977. + +Through this retrieval system, an individual can obtain a brief +description of the research, along with the investigators' names, +performing organization and location, current progress, and a list of +the latest publications resulting from the research. + +CRIS inhouse search services are provided primarily to research +scientists and research managers in USDA and State participating +institutions. The public can directly access the CRIS data base through +the DIALOG online retrieval system. + +Researchers in public and private institutions are the main users of +CRIS. + + ADDRESS: Customer Service + DIALOG Information Retrieval Services, Inc. + 3460 Hillview Avenue + Palo Alto, CA 94340 + + +=12. DRI (Data Resources, Inc.)= + +DRI is a private forecasting service with regional models that forecast +acreage planted and harvested, and yield for all commodities. This +service does independent forecasts of production, prices, and demand +for livestock, and has a separate program for fertilizer. DRI has +software programs for potato producers. Some of its main clients are +big agricultural supply companies and food processing firms. + + ADDRESS: Data Resources, Inc. + 24 Hartwell Ave. + Lexington, MA 02173 + + +=13. ESTEL (Extension Service Telecommunication System)= + +ESTEL is a pilot project from the University of Maryland's Cooperative +Extension Service. It provides farmers with information via a +microprocessor or videotex equipment, which receives the information +and displays it on a video screen. The videotex equipment may be +cheaper to purchase than a microcomputer. + +ESTEL provides current information on market news, local weather +conditions, pesticides, production information, and energy conservation +tips, as well as home economics and 4-H programs. + + ADDRESS: ESTEL (Extension Service Telecommunication System) + Maryland Cooperative Extension Service + University of Maryland + College Park, MD 20742 + + +=14. Farm Bureau ACRES= + +The American Farm Bureau Federation has a program to provide marketing +information and advice for its members. Known as Farm Bureau ACRES, +this marketing information project involves several State farm +bureaus. AFBF members can retrieve information from the host computers +via telephone hookup and, at the same time, send messages to State +computers, thereby providing a two-way daily contact between State +coordinators and farmer-members. For more information, contact your +county or State Farm Bureau. + + +=15. Firsthand= + +Based on French videotex technology known as "Teletel," Firsthand +is a transactional videotex system originally started by the First +Bank System of Minneapolis and now available in other areas too. +With this system, participants can access agribusiness bookkeeping +systems; weather, commodity, and financial reports; and domestic and +international news through a local telephone number. Clients can also +do their shopping electronically from a catalog, and obtain commodity +reports and other agribusiness information offered by other information +providers. They can see their bank statements and balances, make +transfers between accounts, and pay bills electronically. + + ADDRESS: Videotex + 220 Soo Line Bldg. + Minneapolis, MN 55402 + + +=16. Grassroots= + +Grassroots is a Canadian videotex system that provides agribusiness +with comprehensive, up-to-date information. It helps farmers make +effective purchasing, operating, financing, and marketing decisions. +It offers market information on current and future prices of all major +agricultural commodities, and carries farm management programs as +well. It also offers information from companies offering products and +services of interest to agriculture, including material on chemicals, +fertilizers, equipment, real estate, seed, feed, grain, and livestock. +Material on financial services, banking, and insurance is updated daily. + + ADDRESS: Infomart + 164 Merton St. + Toronto, Ontario, CANADA M4S 3A8 + + +=17. Instant Update= + +Instant Update is a timesharing information delivery system designed +for the Professional Farmers of America. The system offers its users +a variety of services and information, including electronic mail, +agribusiness news and analyses, weather reports, and technical +information. + + ADDRESS: Instant Update + Professional Farmers of America + 219 Parkade + Cedar Falls, IA 50613 + + +=18. Market Data Systems, Inc.= + +Market Data Systems carries information from 13 commodity exchanges for +the benefit of customers. It leases terminals on which to receive the +information. + + ADDRESS: Market Data Systems, Inc. + 3835 lamar Ave. + Memphis, TN 38118 + + +=19. NEMA (National Electronic Marketing Association, Inc.)= + +NEMA offers marketing firms computerized marketing systems for many +agricultural products. It is a way of linking buyers and sellers +without having to first transport the products to market. + +Electronic marketing enables buyers and sellers to negotiate +transactions in a public market while remaining in their own offices. +NEMA is developing several marketing systems for agricultural markets. +NEMA was developed by Virginia Tech Extension and Research staff in +cooperation with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Commerce +and AMS. + +Through a telephone hookup to computer terminals in any location, +buyers and sellers are brought together at a specific time to determine +the price, on a competitive basis, for the products being offered +for sale. Prospective buyers can obtain written descriptions of the +products before sale time. + +One pricing technique is a computerized auction process, where the +computer acts as the auctioneer. During the auction, the computer drops +the asking price until a bid is received, then raises the price from +that point until there is only one bidder left. At the end of a sale, +the highest bidders receive summaries of their purchases. The products +are shipped efficiently from seller to buyer. + +State Cooperative Extension Services, producers' organizations. State +departments of agriculture, and other agencies have developed and +implemented NEMA, as well as some other electronic marketing systems in +the United States. Today computerized systems sell slaughter and feeder +livestock, cotton, and shell eggs. + +This system is for market agents and buyers. + + ADDRESS: National Electronic Marketing Assn., Inc. + P.O. Box 722 + Christiansburg, VA 24073 + + +=20. NPIRS (National Pesticide Information Retrieval System)= + +NPIRS is a nationally accessible online data base containing +information about all pesticides registered with the Environmental +Protection Agency, and indicating which are registered for use against +specific pests on specific crops or sites. States can also insert +information about State pesticide registrations. Purdue University +is developing the system under a cooperative agreement with USDA +and is managing the data base, which uses facilities provided by +Martin-Marietta, Inc. + + ADDRESS: National Pesticide Information Retrieval System + Entomology Hall + Purdue University + West Lafayette, IN 47907 + + +=21. Rural Ventures= + +Rural Ventures offers courses and data, recommends solutions to +problems of small farmers, and promotes economic efficiency in +small-scale agriculture and food processing enterprises. It is a joint +venture by Control Data Corporation and other groups, which started +with a project in Princeton, Minnesota. + +A Rural Venture project gives farmers the capability to determine the +optimum selection of crops, livestock, and equipment, and offers a full +range of computer-based education and training programs. + + + ADDRESS: Rural Ventures, Inc. + 120 South LaGrande Ave. + Princeton, MN 55371 + + +=22. The Source= + +The Source, a subsidiary of Reader's Digest, provides access to more +than 1,200 programs and services in a variety of subject areas, +including agriculture. It carries the Commodity News Service general +news reports and daily price activities for major commodities. The +system also supplies news and commentary on current business trends +along with updated listings of stocks, bonds, commodities, and futures. + + + ADDRESS: The Source + Source Telecomputing + 1616 Anderson Road + McLean, VA 22102 + + +=23. Telplan= + +Telplan is a timesharing computer service with several interactive +problem-solving packages. Its agricultural programs are in the areas +of farm finance and animal nutrition, and it offers family finance and +human nutrition programs as well. It is operated by Michigan State +University and is available nationwide. + + + ADDRESS: Telplan--Michigan State University + Room 27 Agriculture Hall + Department of Agricultural Economics + Michigan State University + East Lansing, Ml 48824-1039 + + +=24. USDA Online= + +USDA Online delivers news and other current information from USDA's +Office of Information. Services include the following reports as they +are released: (1) USDA national news releases about policy and program +announcements, (2) USDA regional and State news releases about program +announcements, (3) outlook and situation report summaries, (4) Crop +Reporting Board reports, report highlights, and summaries, (5) Foreign +Agricultural Service reports and announcements on foreign crops, world +production, and trade, (6) Economic Research Service report abstracts, +(7) a daily agricultural news summary called "AG a.m.," and (8) a +weekly "Farm Paper Letter" for farm magazine and newspaper editors and +others interested in the summary and highlights of USDA reports for the +week. + +Through USDA Online, users can also access COIN (see p. 24-25) and +several other data bases. Another communications network available +to users of USDA Online is an electronic mail service linking +various offices at USDA and the State Extension Services, land-grant +Universities, State Departments of Agriculture, other Federal and State +agencies, and other organizations interested in agriculture. + + + ADDRESS: News Division, Room 404-A + Office of Information + U.S. Department of Agriculture + Washington, D.C. 20250 + + + =Rural Telephone Lines= + + One question to consider when you are selecting a computer system + to be used in a rural area is whether your telephone line is + adequate for potential users in your area. You must have a private + line. Line quality is also important; excessive line noise or + dips and surges in power may cause the communications system to + disconnect you. + + In the future, farmers will be able to get information by satellite + rather than through the phone, which could eventually be a cost + saver for those who are far from the information source. + + + + +=Other Computer Developments at USDA= + + +Besides online information services, there are several other computer +developments available through USDA that are of use to + +farmers and ranchers. Many USDA agencies are using computers to +disseminate information. Here is a partial list: + +Since 1981, the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) has been releasing +information electronically that previously had been distributed as +publications through the mail. + +The FAS electronic information system includes agricultural trade leads +received from agricultural attaches relating to potential purchases of +commodities by foreign buyers. + +The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC), in cooperation with the +Extension Service, has developed two software packages to help farmers +make decisions about the kind and amount of crop insurance they will +need. ARCIE (All Risk Crop Insurance Evaluation) comes in "mini" and +"complete" versions. + +Mini-ARCIE takes individual farm data and calculates a projected cash +flow under various yield conditions with and without crop insurance. It +takes about 15 minutes to run. + +Complete-ARCIE, which takes about an hour, analyzes risk and loss +probabilities over an extended period. It prompts farmers to enter +expected prices and yields, and to include historical data. + +Both programs examine the insurance options available--both public and +private--and show how these options compare and how they complement +each other. Federal Crop Insurance is currently available on about 30 +major crops nationwide. + +These programs are designed to run on most microcomputer models. Your +State Extension Service, State Vocational Education Office, or your +local crop insurance agent may already have the programs. + +For further information, including how to obtain a copy of the program, +write to: + + The ARCIE Project + Department of Agricultural Economics + 107 Agricultural Building + Texas A&M University + College Station, TX 77840 + +The =Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service= (ASCS) +is planning to put small computers into all its county offices starting +in 1985. They will keep lists of farmers and their acreage allotments +and bases, record set-aside histories, and record and maintain the +other myriad facts necessary to make the USDA farm programs work. +The system will keep farm records, addresses for mailings, election +registers, and records of payments. Even checks to pay farmers will be +produced by the decentralized county computer systems. + +The computers will also be tied into State systems and a central +computer for some recordkeeping functions, and can be used for +electronic mail and other communications. + +One function of the new system will be to mesh FAS trade opportunity +leads into the ASCS data base. This will permit a farmer or local +agribusiness person to go into the ASCS office and immediately learn +about trade leads reported by agricultural attaches. This program will +go into operation during the mid-1980's. + +The =Economic Research Service= (ERS) releases its Outlook and +Situation reports through AGNET. Summaries of these are available +through USDA Online. + + + + +=Learning More About Computers on the Farm= + + +The computer field is changing so fast that it is difficult to keep +up with the changes. One way to keep current is to join a users group +for your particular brand of computer, or an agricultural users group. +Another way to get up-to-date information about new computer hardware +and software products is to read a private newsletter. Some of these +are: + + AgriComp + 1001 East Walnut, + Suite 201 + Columbia, MO 65201 + + Agricultural Computing + Doane-Western, Inc. + 8900 Manchester Road St. + Louis, MO 63144 + + Agricultural Microcomputing + Ridgetown College of Agricultural Technology + Ridgetown, Ontario CANADA NOP 2CO + + Compu-Farm + Alberta Agricultural + Box 2000 + Olds, Alberta CANADA TOM 1PO + + Computer Farming Newsletter + Lloyd Dinkins + P.O. Box 22642 + Memphis, TN 38122 + + Farm Computer News + Successful Farming + 1716 Locust Street + Des Moines, IA 50336 + + Friendly Farm Computer Newsletter + FBS Systems, Inc. + P.O. Box 201 + Aledo, IL 61231 + + + + +=Glossary of Computer Terms= + + +Listed below are some of the shorthand or jargon terms in the computer +field. Understanding these terms will help you discuss hardware and +software systems and their operation. + +=ADDRESS:= A number specifying a particular location in the +computer's memory. + +=BASIC (Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code):= A +relatively easy-to-use computer language that comes with most small and +personal computer systems. + +=BAUD RATE:= The speed at which information is exchanged over +communications lines, generally expressed in characters per second. 300 +baud is the most common rate. It is equivalent to 30 characters per +second. + +=BINARY:= A two-digit numbering system based on the digits 0 and +1. It is the basis for calculations on all computers, and the basis for +storing and retrieving information, including alphabet characters. + +=BIT:= The smallest unit of information the computer recognizes. A +bit is represented by the presence or absence of an electronic pulse, 0 +or 1. + +=BUG:= A fault or error in a computer program. + +=BYTE:= A byte is composed of several bits, and is used to +represent one character--such as a letter, number, or punctuation mark. +The older microcomputer systems used 8 bits per byte, but the newer +ones are based on 16 or 32 bits per byte. + +=CHIP:= A thin silicon wafer on which electronic components are +deposited lithographically in the form of integrated circuits. + +=COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language):= A high-level +programing language widely used in business applications. + +=COMPUTER NETWORK:= Two or more computers that are connected so +they can exchange information. + +=COMPUTER PROGRAM:= A collection of instructions that together +direct the computer to perform a particular function. + +=CP/M (Control Program for Microprocessors):= A popular operating +system for small computers. + +=CPU (Central Processing Unit):= The part of the computer that +controls and organizes the operations of the other parts of the +computer and does the calculations. + +=CRT (Cathode Ray Tube):= A video screen that can be used for +viewing output. + +=DATA:= The information, such as numbers or letters, that are put +into the computer system. + +=DEBUG:= To remove the errors in a computer program. + +=DIAGNOSTIC:= A program for detecting and isolating a problem +or mistake in the computer system; features that allow systems or +equipment to self-test for flaws. + +=DISK:= A revolving plate on which data and programs are stored. +Also called DISKETTE. + +=DISK DRIVE:= A part of the computer system that reads and +writes material on the disk. It can be part of the main hardware or a +peripheral attached to the system. + +=DOCUMENTATION:= 1. The instruction manual for a program +(software) or piece of hardware. 2. The process of describing a +computer program so others using the program can see how it works. + +=DOWNTIME:= Any time a computer is not available or not working +because of a machine fault or failure. Downtime includes repair delay +time, repair time, and machine-spoiled work time. + +=EDIT:= To change or add data to an existing document or program. + +=FLOPPY DISK:= A small, flexible storage device made of magnetic +material. It looks like a soft phonograph record and is usually 5¼ +inches or 8 inches in diameter. + +=FORTRAN (FORmula TRANslation):= A computer language widely +used to solve scientific and engineering problems, mainly for large +commercial systems. + +=GARBAGE:= Meaningless information. + +=HARD COPY:= A printout on paper of information from the computer. + +=HARDWARE:= All the physical parts of the computer system, +including the computer itself, the input and output equipment and +peripherals, and the physical disk or tape equipment. (The computer +programs are software.) + +=INPUT:= The data that are put into the computer, or the process +of putting it in. + +=INSTRUCTION:= A group of bits that designates a specific computer +operation. + +=INTEGRATED CIRCUIT:= An electronic circuit or combination of +circuits contained on semiconductor material, or chip. + +=INTERACTIVE:= A computer system that allows two-way communication +between the user and the computer. + +=INTERFACE:= A piece of equipment used to connect two parts of a +computer system that cannot interact directly with each other. + +=K (kilobyte):= A measure of computer memory capacity. Each K of +information is 1,024 bytes. + +=LOAD:= To put data or programs into a computer. + +=MAGNETIC TAPE:= A recording device used to store programs and +data. It resembles audio tape used in tape recorders. + +=MEMORY:= That part of the computer that stores information. Also, +the external material, such as floppy disks, hard disks, or cassette +tapes that store information. + +=MICROCOMPUTER:= A small computer in which the CPU is an +integrated circuit deposited on a silicon chip. + +=MICROPROCESSOR:= A silicon chip that is the central, controlling +part of the computer. + +=MINICOMPUTER:= A computer that is usually larger, more powerful, +and more expensive than a microcomputer, but is smaller than a +mainframe in memory and functions. + +=MODEM (MODulator/ DEModulator):= A device used to attach a +computer or one of its devices to a communication line, often a +telephone. + +=OPERATING SYSTEM:= A special group of programs which controls +the overall operation of a computer system. It mediates between the +hardware and the particular software program. + +=OUTPUT:= The information generated by a computer. + +=PERIPHERAL:= A device, such as a CRT, disk drive, or printer, +used for entering or storing data into, or retrieving it from, the +computer system. + +=PRINTER:= An output device to print the information from a +computer. + +=PROGRAM:= A set of coded instructions directing a computer to +perform a particular function. + +=PROGRAMING LANGUAGE:= A special language of words and rules that +is used to write programs so the computer can understand them. + +=RAM (Random Access Memory):= The portion of the computer's +memory in which data, instructions, and other information are stored +temporarily. Also called read-write memory. + +=ROM (Read Only Memory):= The portion of the computer's memory +that contains information and instructions that are stored permanently. +This memory cannot be altered or added to. + +=SEMICONDUCTOR:= A material such as silicon with a conductivity +between that of a metal and an insulator. It is used in the manufacture +of solid-state devices such as diodes, transistors, and the complex +integrated circuits that comprise computer logic circuits. + +=SOFTWARE:= A general term for computer programs, procedural +rules, and sometimes the documentation involved in the operation of a +computer. + +=SYSTEM:= The computer and all its related components, including +hardware and software, that work together. + +=TERMINAL:= A peripheral device through which information is +entered into or extracted from the computer, usually with a keyboard +and an output device such as a CRT or printer. + +=TIMESHARING:= A method by which more than one person can use a +computer at the same time at separate terminals. + +=TURNKEY SYSTEM:= A computer system that has all hardware and +software installed. Supposedly, all you have to do is turn it on. + +=WORD PROCESSING:= Typing, editing, storing, and printing text +with a computer. + + * * * * * + +The mention of commercial products, services, or companies does not +constitute endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. If +additional computer services of interest to the agricultural community +are available, we would be glad to consider them for inclusion in +possible revisions of this bulletin. + + * * * * * + + +Transcribers Note + +The title "Computor System Components" (p. 17) was changed to "Computer +...". Under COIN (p. 25) the reference to "Computer Management Network" +was corrected to "Computerized ...". + + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of USDA Farmers' Bulletin No. 2277: +Computers on the Farm, by Deborah Takiff Smith + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 59316 *** |