Mark:
 
I echo Adrian's comments.  I coordinate computer usage for the Division
of Biological Sciences and communicate with people at middle schools,
high schools, colleges, and universities across the state.
 
Overall, Internet has replaced Bitnet, although there are a lot of
localized, specialty networks such as NWNet, MuseNet, etc.
 
IBM machines far outnumber MacIntosh and Workstations at the
Universities, but that can vary dramatically by School or Department.
Middle Schools are lucky to have anything, maybe an old Apple.
Workstations dominate the communications hubs, although some occurs on VMS.
 
Some schools and businesses force the issue and specify a common
platform.  Thus, MSU-Billings is almost exclusively Mac.
 
Overall, the sales projections for the nation fit our patterns.  IBM and
IBM-compatibles outsell everything else.  Mac comes in second.
Workstations are common, but that may change as PCs get faster.
 
 
 
Windows use depends on the level of machine, but with Word Perfect
expecting 4-8 Mgs of memory for their newest DOS and Windows software and
with 90 Mhz Pentiums selling for $1700, I suspect we will see a rapid shift.
 
Actually the software folks are making that choice for us.  How much DOS
software do you see compared to Windows software in the mainline market?
 
Windows is a pain if you don't have the horsepower, but if you do, even
some of us foot dragger's end up using it -- not for Windows but for the
Windows based WYSIWYG applications.
 
From informal show of hands at beekeeper meetings, few had computers 5
years ago.  Maybe have do now, and many are getting into it in the last
yr or two - which means they have reasonably up to date machines.
 
One point of information.  I used to be the only one at beekeeper
meetings talking about computers as a useful tool for managing a bee
operation.  That has changed.  In late October, the MT Beekeepers
Association Meeting will hold its annual meeting in Missoula. We have
planned a whole day of workshops on mite detection and on computer use
and software for bee businesses.  Our beekeepers asked for these workshops.
Quite a change from just a couple of years ago.
 
Jerry Bromenshenk
The University of Montana
[log in to unmask]