Further Computer Purchase Tips

Abstract

With current technology, the distinction between microcomputer and minicomputer, personal computer and business computer becomes clouded. Microcomputers in use today have as much memory as did minicomputers only o few years ago and they are also able to have larger disk storage devices attached. As a result, this question is not micro versus mini, but two main issues: single-user versus multi-user and the ability to interface with large storage devices (10 megabytes or more). As you can see from having filled out the logistics of medical flow data sheets, many different people in the office require access to the patient’s record. One office assistant might be updating the patient’s financial ledger while another is using the record to make an appointment. With most single-user, microcomputer systems, patient records cannot easily be shared. You would have to carry around a floppy disk from station to station so that each processor had the most current contents of the record with which to transmit his or her transactions. The solution to this is a multi-user system in which each terminal or work station uses the same software and accesses a common pool of data records. This also ties in closely to the second requirement, that of a large storage capacity device. The size of patient records soon exceeds the ability to fit the entire file on one or two floppy disks.