Produced by Tom Cosmas compiled from images provided by The Internet Archive Transcribers Note Text emphasis denoted as _Italics_ and =Bold=. Computers on the Farm Farm Uses for Computers, How to Select Software and Hardware, and Online Information Sources in Agriculture [Illustration] [Illustration] United States Department of Agriculture Farmers' Bulletin Number 2277 Cover Photo: Fran and Brian Schnarre, a farm couple from Columbia, Missouri, working at their computer. _Photo by Duane Dailey, University of Missouri_. Prepared by Office of Information, Office of Governmental and Public Affairs =Issued March 1984= Contents 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)?