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.