Computer at Work.

Computer at Work. Last fall, Lewis & Clark Research--an independent researchorganization based in Raleigh, N.C.--surveyed 1,000 Techniques readersabout their computer and software use. Almost all of the nearly 500respondents (97 percent) said they use a computer at work. Here'slooking at you. On the Softer Side of Things--Techniques readers use a lot ofsoftware. Here's a look at the variety. * Of those who use word processing word processing,use of a computer program or a dedicated hardware and software package to write, edit, format, and print a document. Text is most commonly entered using a keyboard similar to a typewriter's, although handwritten input (see pen-based computer) and software, 36 percent useMicrosoft Word A full-featured word processing program for Windows and the Macintosh from Microsoft. Included in the Microsoft application suite, it is a sophisticated program with rudimentary desktop publishing capabilities that has become the most widely used word processing application on the market. , followed by Word Perfect (19 percent), Microsoft Office Microsoft's primary desktop applications for Windows and Mac. Depending on the package, it includes some combination of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook along with various Internet and other utilities. ,which includes Microsoft Word, (10 percent), Microsoft Works An integrated software package for Windows and the Macintosh from Microsoft. It provides file management with relational-like capabilities, word processing, spreadsheet, business graphics and communications capabilities in one package. (9percent), Claris Works (8 percent) and Corel (5 percent). A Hard Look at the Wares 73 percent of respondents have a computer at work that only theyuse; 24 percent share a computer with others. Of those who share, thereis an average of 14 additional users. Most respondents (88 percent) use an IBM (International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY, www.ibm.com) The world's largest computer company. IBM's product lines include the S/390 mainframes (zSeries), AS/400 midrange business systems (iSeries), RS/6000 workstations and servers (pSeries), Intel-based servers (xSeries) or compatible computer; 15percent use a Macintosh or compatible computer. (Three percent useboth.) The most popular makes of computers mentioned were Gateway (11percent), Compaq (8 percent), Dell (6 percent) and IBM (4 percent). Teacher respondents report an average of 111 computers in theirworkplaces (101 PCs and 9 Macs). Administrator respondents report anaverage of 180 computers in their workplaces (149 PCs and 31 Macs).Teachers also report an average of seven computers in their classroomsand 12 in their technical labs. The Purse Strings purse stringsor purse��stringspl.n.Financial support or resources, or control over them: the politicians who control federal purse strings; tightened the corporate purse strings. Administrator respondents said their institutions spend an annualaverage of $103,000 on computer hardware and software--but this amountvaries depending on the type of school, respondent title and region.Overall, respondents from secondary vocational schools reported highertechnology budgets than those from comprehensive high schools. [GRAPH OMITTED]