How to coexist with your computer

Is your agency entering the computer age? Don't panic! Comparative shopping and common sense can help you through the maze of terminology and equipment.

By Gail G. Gunter

Microcomputers are economically feasible and easy enough for anyone to use. Many small park districts are considering purchasing computers but need help to get started. Some budgeting and shopping guidelines are discussed here.

How much should be spent?

A good computer with software will cost between $5,000 and $8,000. Avoid cheaper systems and get expert help for a system costing more than $10,000.

Administration is a top priority.

The purchase of a computer is the start of a long-term professional relationship.

One work station is needed for every three to four professionals who do writing and calculating.

Learn about computers in phases. The first phase should include administration, word processing, general accounting and mailing list maintenance. Ask about park management functions in the second phase. These would include job cost accounting, activities scheduling, manpower planning and budget projections.

Where to buy

There are more than 50 companies selling computers today and a few less each day. To avoid disappearing support, buy from a local, well-established vendor after checking references. Shop around, as even the same system may vary $1,000 among vendors. Buy from a vendor who you personally like. This is not a one-time purchase. It is the start of a long-term professional relationship.

Start looking at brand names such as Apple, Radio Shack and IBM. The IBM or the IBM compatibles are the best business choice. Most software is, or will be, written for the IBM PC, and software is the critical feature. Some models to consider are the IBM PC, IBM XT, Compaq Plus and the AT&T.

Software first

Software is the critical factor in the computer selection process. Find the kind of software you want first and then see what kind of system it runs on. Most park offices will need these basics:

• Word processing — This will be the most used software. Pick something simple in the $400-$750 range. Since everyone in the office will end up using it, have the secretary and a professional select it together. Some old standards are Word Perfect, Multi-Mate and Wordstar. "Spell-checking" should be standard on your word processing software. It should also have merge capability with spread sheet and data base programs.

• Spread sheet — These are electronic sheets on which mathematical models, such as cost and budget estimates, are constructed and projections are used. Consider Multiplan or Lotus 1-2-3 ($350-$500).

• Accounting — A general ledger package ($300-$500) will be necessary to keep the auditors happy.

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Job cost accounting that allows tracking of individual parks and projects is second priority at about $400-$550.

• Data bases — These are filing programs for storing and retrieving data such as contributors' lists and personnel records. It is unessential but nevertheless useful for updating many lists.

Some software packages combining word processing, data base and spread sheet are available. They are cheaper as a package and easier to use. Look at Symphony, Electronic Desk, Get Organized and MBA.

• System needs — The minimum configuration for a Central Processing Unit (CPU) should be 64 K RAM memory with a 16 bit processor. The 256 K is better since that is the amount needed to run some of the newest software ($1,500-$3,000). Anything more than that may not be needed.

Most software runs easier on two disk drives ($400-$500 for the second drive). Most park offices don't need hard disk, which costs an extra $2,900.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Gail G. Gunter is a computer specialist at Scruggs and Hammond, Inc., in Ohio. He is also a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects.

NRPA sets deadlines for 1985 awards The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) has announced entry deadlines for four of its 1985 awards: • April 12 - deadline for submitting basic and applied research papers for the Symposium on Leisure Research. The symposium will take place during the 1985 Congress for Recreation and Parks, Oct. 25-28, in Dallas, TX. • April 15 - deadline to make nominations for the National Awards. The awards honor exemplary contributions to the park and recreation field by professionals and citizens. Voluntary, humanitarian, media and literary contributions by individuals, organizations and corporations are considered. • May 1 - deadline for nominations for the Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt Award for Excellence in Recreation and Park Research. The award is given for basic or applied research which has led to a major advance toward the solution of a problem in the park and recreation field. It carries a $1,500 honorarium, made possible by a grant from the Lehman Foundation of New York. • May 31 - deadline for submitting entries into the annual Wes Francis Audiovisual Excellence (WAVE) contest. The contest is designed to honor outstanding films, slide shows, videotape productions, student productions and public service announcements depicting the parks, recreation, leisure and conservation fields. Public park and recreation agencies, private producers, the media and commercial recreation providers are eligible to participate in the contest. Additional information is available from the NRPA at 3101 Park Center Dr., Alexandria, VA 22302 (703/820-4940).

Illinois Parks and Recreation 37 March/April 1985